Castle Douglas-based Natural Power urges local entries in 10th Helping It Happen Awards
Rural champions across Dumfries & Galloway are being urged to step forward as nominations open for the 2026 Helping It Happen Awards – with a major new £10,000 prize marking the awards’ milestone 10th year.
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 south west.
Among those recognised last year was Natural Power, headquartered in Castle Douglas, which won the Rural Business Award for its global leadership in renewable energy consultancy. With a team of more than 500 specialists supporting over 2,000 clients in 68 countries, the company provides expert advice and services that help deliver safe, low-carbon projects while maintaining deep roots in Dumfries & Galloway.
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 said: “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.”
Jeremy Sainsbury, Director at Natural Power said: “Natural Power were lucky enough to win an award last year. The whole process was easy and well managed culminating in great evening in Edinburgh at the award ceremony. These awards are an excellent way to celebrate the often hidden rural businesses that are vital to the jobs and economy of Scotland’s countryside. We are happy to encourage others to show case their businesses and take part in shedding a light on the businesses helping to grow the wider economy.”
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
One partner. No competitors. Full visibility across the region.
