Soft fruit co-operative Angus Growers and Highlander-of-many-roles Drew McFarlane-Slack were among those honoured at the Helping It Happen Awards last night.
A total of 11 outstanding businesses, innovative partnerships and “visionary” people from across rural Scotland were celebrated at the glitzy event.
The ceremony was held in Edinburgh and organised by Scottish Land & Estates (SLE).
It recognised exceptional contributions to the rural economy, employment, education, wildlife conservation, community wellbeing and “critical” environmental stewardship.
Who are Angus Growers?
Arbroath-based Angus Growers comprises 16 soft fruit producers, mainly from Angus, Perthshire and Fife.
The umbrella group is a marketing vehicle for strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. It specialises in producing fresh fruit for major UK supermarkets, as well as many independent retailers, restaurants, and food and drink manufacturers.
It received Helping It Happen’s coveted innovation in farming award, recognising “outstanding work in sustainability, production, packing and responsible farming”.
According to SLE, sustainability efforts at Angus Growers have led to a substantial fall in the carbon footprint of its members.
Who is Drew McFarlane-Slack?
Mr McFarlane-Slack came away with a special Helping It Happen award for his “outstanding” contribution to rural Scotland.
SLE said his efforts to improve people’s lives in the Highlands and rural Scotland in general had been “immense”, adding: “His warmth and humour continue to inspire many.”
The former Lochaber District and Highland councillor has held a huge number of roles.
These include a spell as a regional manager for SLE and as a key leader in bodies such as Lochaber Enterprise, the Highland Housing Alliance, Lochaber Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service, Monadhliath Deer Management Group and Applecross Forum.
His CV spans jobs including police cadet, trainee hairdresser, theatre stagehand, fruit-packing manager, Ballachulish fruit shop owner, share fisherman, shellfish salesman and driver, engineer and carpet fitter/upholsterer.
Royal honour for Highlander
He also spent eight years as chairman of Kinlochleven Land Development Trust.
In 2001 he was made an MBE in recognition of his services to housing and the community.
Now 73, his ongoing business interests include joint ownership of self-catering pods in South Ballachulish.
Mull farming partnership also among winners at Helping It Happen Awards
Last night’s rural property award went to the Glengorm Farming Partnership, led by Tom Nelson, which has helped to deliver much-needed affordable housing on Mull.
There were also judges’ commendations for voluntary group Sustainable Kirriemuir and Arbroath-based Tik-Tok star Josh Donaldson, aka The Litter Picker, whose commitment to collecting rubbish in Scotland’s forests has become a full-time job.
‘Unsung heroes’
Now in their eighth year, the Helping It Happen Awards showcase innovative approaches to rural development, environmental conservation and community projects.
SLE chief executive Sarah-Jane Laing said: “The inspiring Helping It Happen awards publicly recognise the often unsung heroes in rural Scotland. They beautifully showcase real-life examples of impactful climate action, engaging outdoor education, innovation in business and farming and commendable efforts to promote affordable rural housing.
“These dedicated individuals and organisations play a crucial role in sustaining our thriving rural communities and inspiring others to follow their lead. The awards ceremony was a great night of celebration and we congratulate all the winners and nominees for their much deserved recognition.”
Claudia Rowse, deputy director of green economy for awards sponsor NatureScot, said: “The high standard of entries makes me feel positive about the future of rural Scotland.”
Conversation