New £10,000 Rural Champion Award Launched to Celebrate Impact in Scottish Communities

A new Rural Champion Award has been launched to recognise individuals making a significant and lasting difference in rural communities across Scotland. The initiative, introduced by the Royal Countryside Fund in partnership with Scottish Land & Estates, forms part of the 2026 Helping it Happen Awards, now in their tenth year.

The awards programme highlights the people, businesses and community projects that are helping rural Scotland to thrive. Open to a wide range of entrants — including farms, estates, rural enterprises, charities and community groups — the scheme aims to shine a light on innovation, resilience and leadership in rural areas.

To mark this milestone year, the new Rural Champion Award will recognise an individual who has gone “above and beyond” to support their rural community. The winner will secure a £10,000 prize for their community organisation, providing a significant boost to ongoing local initiatives. Nominations for the award are now open, with entries closing on 30 June 2026. Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony later in the autumn.

To be eligible, nominees must be based in Scotland and already nominated for one of the existing Helping it Happen award categories. In addition, they must be working with a rural community organisation that meets the Royal Countryside Fund’s funding criteria.

The new award reflects a growing recognition of the vital role individuals play in sustaining rural life — from strengthening local economies to fostering community engagement and resilience. By spotlighting these contributions, organisers hope to inspire further action and investment across Scotland’s rural landscape.

For more information and to submit nominations visit the Royal Countryside Fund website.