Organised by Scottish Land & Estates and generously sponsored by NatureScot, the awards have spent the past decade shining a light on the people, businesses and community projects powering rural Scotland – including standout success stories from the Highland capital.

Among those recognised last year was MAKAR Ltd, headquartered in Inverness, which was named winner of the Iver Salvesen Award for Combatting Climate Change.

MAKAR Ltd was recognised for its trailblazing approach to sustainable construction. The company has delivered more than 250 Net Zero homes across Scotland, pioneering timber-based, off-site building methods that combine craftsmanship with cutting-edge environmental design. Its homes reduce carbon emissions, cut running costs and provide affordable, energy-efficient housing solutions for rural and urban communities alike.

Founded in Inverness, MAKAR’s ethos of “building with nature” has helped position the Highlands as a leader in eco-conscious design and construction. Its work demonstrates how sustainable materials and innovative design can deliver long-term climate benefits while supporting local supply chains and rural employment.

To mark the landmark year, a major new Rural Champion Award has been unveiled – with a £10,000 prize courtesy of The Royal Countryside Fund, which has supported rural communities across the UK since 2010.

The awards are open to all – from farms and estates to rural businesses, charities and community groups – with no requirement to be a member of Scottish Land & Estates.

Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “This is a huge year for Helping It Happen as we celebrate a decade of recognising the very best of rural Scotland – and we wanted to mark it in a way that really raises the bar.

“The new Rural Champion Award, backed by a £10,000 prize courtesy of The Royal Countryside Fund, gives us a powerful opportunity to recognise the individuals who go above and beyond for their communities. These are the people making a real difference every day, often without recognition, and this award is about putting them firmly in the spotlight.

“If you know someone who deserves that recognition, now is the time to put them forward. These awards are about celebrating the people who keep rural Scotland moving, innovating and thriving.”

Ellie Burnage, head of external affairs at The Royal Countryside Fund, added: “At The Royal Countryside Fund, we know that change can happen – because we see it every day. It starts with real people with local knowledge, passed down through generations.

“That’s why we work alongside farming families and rural communities – to truly understand their individual needs and provide locally based support to match. We’re so excited to be working with Scottish Land and Estates to recognise the wonderful people who make our countryside so brilliant through the new Rural Champion Award.”

Frances Gardner from Makar said: “Last year was our first year participating in the Helping it Happen awards. We were so impressed by the people and organisations showcased during the evening and online.

“It is a brilliant way to celebrate the wide range of people doing important work in rural Scotland and we are thrilled to be a part of it. Having been involved, we’d encourage others to submit nominations for 2026.”

The 10th annual awards were launched at Fenton Barns Nursery, a previous finalist, with nominations now open via the Scottish Land & Estates website. Entries close later this summer, with winners to be announced at a gala ceremony this autumn.

Award Categories for 2026:

• Conservation Award sponsored by Levy & McRae
• Education Award sponsored by TerraMagna
• Enhancing Our Environment through Land Management Award – sponsored by NatureScot
• Good News Award – sponsored by Media House International
• Innovation in Farming Award – sponsored by EQ Chartered Accountants
• 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 Champion Award – sponsored by The Royal Countryside Fund
• Rural Property Award – sponsored by Bidwells
• Rural Rising Star Award – sponsored by Scottish Woodlands
• Tourism & Visitor Management Award – sponsored by GLM
• Working with Communities Award – sponsored by The Exiteers