Nature projects celebrated at national awards

The winners included a community of nature-based enterprises in Perth and Kinross, a Scotland-wide marine citizen science project in its third decade and a Highland croft. 

The full list of winners: 

• SNH Business Award (sponsored by Scottish Natural Heritage): Comrie Croft Eco Farm - positive solutions for people and nature 
• Coasts and Waters Award (sponsored by Scottish Water): Seasearch – 30 years of underwater citizen science 
• Community Initiative Award (sponsored by GreenPower): Back from the Brink – Saving the Small Blue 
• Conservation Science Award (sponsored by SAGES):  Understanding and conserving Scottish cold-water reefs and deep-sea habitats 
• Food and Farming Award (sponsored by The James Hutton Institute): Lynbreck Croft 
• Innovation Award (sponsored by Balfour Beatty): TVC Natural Talent programme – closing the ecological skills gap 
• Political Advocate of the Year: Roseanna Cunningham MSP 
• RSPB Species Champion Award (sponsored by The Ardmore): Stewart Taylor – Cairngorms Amazing Aspen and Championing the return of beavers to Scotland 
• Youth and Education Award (sponsored by Scottish Power): Sunnyside Primary – how small ripples bring about tides of change 

The Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Simon Pepper OBE for his incredible contributions to nature and wildlife throughout his lifetime.  

The evening was hailed a great success with the achievements of all nominees being acknowledged and the importance of protecting nature in Scotland taking centre stage.  

Gordon Buchanan said:

"Scotland’s nature has always had a special place in my heart, and it was an honour to meet people who are working tirelessly to protect our natural heritage. The dedication and commitment of individuals such as the ones celebrated by these awards, is invaluable to our wildlife and unique habitats. Congratulations to all the winners and keep up the good work!"

Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland, said:

"It’s been another brilliant year for the Nature of Scotland Awards; with more applications than ever before it has been particularly difficult to pick individual winners. Everyone who has been shortlisted as well as our winners should be congratulated, it is wonderful to have the chance to celebrate the enormous breadth and scale of the achievements of those committed to saving nature. We should all take inspiration from their achievements and find our own way to give nature a home."

Francesca Osowska, Chief Executive of SNH, said:

"A big congratulations to all of the inspiring people and projects who have been recognised through these awards for the amazing work they are doing across Scotland to help safeguard and improve our biodiversity. We all benefit from nature in so many ways and we can all play a role in creating a nature-rich future in Scotland. Our award winners and all of those shortlisted are leading the way, and we’re delighted to celebrate their success."