Shares success stories at awards

A Stewartry hospitality business is encouraging rural communities to share success stories for the Helping it Happen Awards.

Estates, farms, rural businesses, individuals, charities, and projects can all be nominated for the awards that focus on the essential role these parties play in helping the Scottish countryside thrive.

One of last year’s winners was Laggan, near Gatehouse, who took home the tourism and visitor management accolade.

Managing director, Duncan McConchie, said: “Winning the tourism and visitor management award in 2023 was amazing.

“To be in the room with so many deserved winners, hearing inspirational stories from other nominees, was an honour.

“To win was the icing on the cake. It’s great to see an awards ceremony focused on the rural sector.”

The awards, organised by Scottish Land and Estates and sponsored by NatureScot, feature 10 categories which are now open for entries.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in the autumn, where an award for outstanding contribution to rural Scotland will also be presented.

The awards are open to everyone, not just Scottish Land and Estates members.

CEO of Scottish Land and Estates, Sarah-Jane Laing, said: “Our Helping it Happen Awards aim to spotlight the essential contributions made by land-based organisations and individuals to rural communities throughout Scotland, and I’m thrilled to kick off the nomination process for 2024.

“Whether it’s aiding the environment, bolstering local economies, or making strides in farming and education, these awards celebrate those whose efforts often go under the radar.

“We encourage people across Scotland to nominate deserving candidates for this year’s awards.

“Last year’s entries were outstanding, and I eagerly await the nominations for 2024”

Nominations should be submitted by June 28 at www. scottishlandandestates. co.uk/helping-it-happen

Laggan are not sponsoring the Helping it Happen Awards in any way.