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.

Now in its eighth year, the annual awards organised by Scottish Land & Estates have become one of the leading rural accolades in Scotland.

Helping it Happen is once again supported by returning headline sponsor NatureScot. The awards have been supported by one of last year’s winners, the Communities Housing Trust, which picked up the Working with Communities Award in 2023.

Nominations across ten categories are now open for entries. The ceremony in autumn will also see an Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland, which will be decided by the Helping it Happen judging panel. The awards are open to everyone – not just Scottish Land & Estates members.

Sarah-Jane Laing, CEO of Scottish Land & Estates, 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. Given our past experiences, I know our judging panel will face a tough task in selecting finalists.”

Ronnie MacRae, ​chief executive officer of the Communities Housing Trust, added: “Participating in the Helping it Happen awards was a rewarding endeavour, shining a light on the importance of housing in rural Scotland whilst raising awareness about Scotland’s rural communities and economies. We encourage nominations for the 2024 awards and extend our best wishes to all participants.”

Claudia Rowse, deputy director, green economy at NatureScot, commented: “Each year, the Helping it Happen Awards highlight the many inspirational people who are taking positive steps to restore nature while enhancing the life and economy of rural Scotland. We know we need to work together in partnership to tackle the nature and climate emergencies, and I look forward to seeing the innovative and collaborative entries this year demonstrating the effective actions land managers are taking to improve nature.”

The 2024 awards were launched at Active Kids Adventure Park in Stanley near Perth – the winner of last year’s Rural Property Award.

Nominations must be submitted via the Scottish Land & Estates website by the deadline of June 28, with judging taking place shortly after. The awards are open to rural organisations and businesses, not just Scottish Land & Estates members. A gala awards ceremony where the winners will be announced for 2024 will be held in the autumn.

The complete list of categories for the Helping It Happen Awards 2024 is as follows:

• Conservation Award sponsored by Anderson Strathern
• Education Award Education Award sponsored by Hampden & Co
• Enhancing Our Environment through Land Management Award sponsored by NatureScot
• Innovation in Farming Award sponsored by Douglas Home & Co
• Iver Salvesen Award for Combatting Climate Change sponsored by Murray Beith Murray
• The Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland
• Rural Business Award sponsored by Shepherd + Wedderburn
• Rural Property Award sponsored by Bidwells
• Rural Rising Star Award
• Tourism & Visitor Management Award sponsored by GLM
• Working with Communities Award