Meet the 2019 Scottish Rural Awards winners

The winners of the 2019 Scottish Rural Awards were celebrated last night (Thursday 21 March) at the Awards ceremony at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh. The winners were a diverse group, with three key factors in common – the positive and sustainable impact they make within their local communities, the quality of their businesses, and their dedication to their respective fields.

The Scottish Rural Awards are the ultimate benchmark of success in Scotland's countryside, highlighting the enterprise, skill and innovation of those who live and work in rural areas.

Last night's event is the culmination of a fifth year of partnership between Scottish Field and the Scottish Countryside Alliance to host the awards, in association with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS). The awards are backed by category sponsors including ArdMoor, Chiene + Tait and Gillespie MacAndrew.

Veteran broadcaster and Deacon Blue drummer, Dougie Vipond took to the stage as compere for the evening, hosting over 450 guests and presenting two awards in each of the 11 open categories – a Runner-Up and overall Winner.

Nominations for the 2019 Scottish Rural Awards officially launched at the beginning of July 2018, with over 200 entries received before the closing date at the end of October 2018. Businesses were able to self-nominate, or be nominated by someone else - a friend, family member, customer or member of the public.

Finalists in each of the open categories, which encompass every aspect of rural life, from agriculture and food production, to conservation, education and tourism, were announced in December 2017.

The full list of Scottish Rural Awards winners can be found here.

Those who have made special contributions to the Scottish countryside were honoured with two separate accolades last night - the Rural Hero Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Rural Hero award was presented to Donna Ker-ramsay of Claverhouse Equestrian for her work with children in local schools, often with learning difficulties such as ADHD and Autism.

Lifetime Achievement was awarded to Sir Ian Grant, who occupies a unique position in rural Scotland's development with a breadth of knowledge that has been acquired through decades of dedication. High profile appointments include directorships of Clydesdale Bank and SSE as well as chairman of the Scottish Tourist Board between 1990 and 1998.

Brian Cameron, Sales Director for Scottish Field magazine said "We were delighted with the quality and sheer diversity of finalists and winners across all categories and look forward to hearing more of their stories in the coming months

Jamie Stewart, Director of the Scottish Countryside Alliance, added: 'Land-based businesses contribute over £2billion to the Scottish economy. Despite the multiple challenges they face, they are hugely valuable brand ambassadors for Scotland, and many provide vital support to their local communities. These awards give Scotland a chance to recognise the resilience, innovation and contribution that rurally-based people and businesses make to its success.'