06-06-2025
Dumfriesshire business hosts launch for search for Helping It Happen Awards 2025
Claxton's Whisky and Dalswinton Estate won the rural business category at last year's awards.
The search for Scotland's rural champions has been officially launched in Dumfriesshire.
The Helping It Happen Awards aim to celebrate the outstanding efforts of estates, farms, people, charities and projects that help Scotland thrive.
Aand this year's awards, organised by Scottish Land and Estates and sponsored by NatureScot, were officially launched at Claxton's Whisky and Dalswinton Estate.
They were the winners of the rural business award last year, the partnership having transformed disused estate buildings into a business that has created skilled jobs and invested more than £3 million in the area.
Dalswinton Estate owner, Peter Landale, said: 'Dalswinton has always been a place of innovation and stewardship, and it's a privilege to see that spirit continued through partnerships like ours with Claxton's Whisky.
'The Helping It Happen Awards reflect the same ethos – celebrating people who care deeply about the future of rural Scotland. We're proud to host this year's launch and to play our part in supporting a thriving countryside.'
Claxton's Whisky managing director, Adrian Hoose, added: 'We're delighted to welcome the launch of the Helping It Happen Awards to Claxton's and Dalswinton. Our journey here has always been rooted in quality, sustainability, and working closely with the local community.
'These awards highlight the very best of rural Scotland, and winning an award last year gave our team a real sense of pride and recognition – it helped raise our profile and showcased our products to a wider audience.'
The awards are open to anyone, from local community organisations to independent businesses, third-sector conservation organisations, as well as farms, estates and national organisations.
This year has seen the introduction of the Good News Award, which aims to recognise those who have shone a positive spotlight on rural Scotland through original media work.
CEO of Scottish Land and Estates, Sarah-Jane Laing, said: 'The Helping It Happen Awards aim to spotlight the essential contributions made by land-based organisations, community groups, charities and individuals to rural communities throughout Scotland, and I'm delighted that the nomination process for 2025 is now underway.
'From enhancing biodiversity and local economies to innovation in land management and tourism, these awards celebrate the diverse and inspiring work that often goes unrecognised. We encourage everyone to nominate those making a real difference across rural Scotland.'
Nominations for the Helping It Happen Awards can be made at the Scottish Land and Estates website.
