Uncategorized

Rural Scotland’s unsung heroes revealed as Helping It Happen awards finalists

Posted on by Laura

Rural Scotland’s brightest individuals, businesses and community organisations are in the spotlight once again after being named as finalists in the Helping It Happen Awards 2026.

Organised by Scottish Land & Estates and supported by headline sponsor NatureScot, the awards celebrate the innovation, determination and community spirit helping rural Scotland thrive.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Helping It Happen awards, which have attracted almost 1,000 nominations and recognised more than 100 winners since their launch.

Across 12 Helping It Happen categories, this year’s finalists have been recognised for achievements spanning conservation, education, farming, rural enterprise, tourism, community development and environmental land management.

Rural Business Award – sponsored by Shepherd + Wedderburn

  • Newhall Estate – Newhall Estate has transformed former agricultural buildings into an award-winning wedding and events destination, creating jobs, supporting local businesses and funding environmental and heritage work.

  • RM and JF Seed LTD – RM & JF Seed Ltd combines generations of contract-farming experience with modern methods, managing 7,000 acres sustainably while producing high-quality crops.

  • Tarrant Refrigeration – Tarrant Refrigeration has grown from a one-man dairy refrigeration business into a diverse rural enterprise serving the dairy, game, brewing and renewable-energy sectors.

  • Trevor Jackson, Charlesfield – Charlesfield Farms combines regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, a distillery, vineyard and industrial estate to support 70 businesses and create rural employment.

A LANDMARK CELEBRATION

The winners will be announced at the Helping It Happen Awards ceremony and dinner on Thursday 1 October 2026 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

The black-tie event will bring together rural businesses, land managers, community representatives and industry leaders to celebrate the people and projects shaping rural Scotland’s future.

Read more about the SLE Awards here.