Last month I attended the 2025 Helping It Happen Awards in Edinburgh (see below for a list of winners). The awards, which are organised by Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) and generously sponsored by NatureScot, recognise outstanding contributions to the rural economy, inspiring education, pioneering conservation and vital environmental stewardship. It was a fantastic, glittering event and made me proud to work in the rural sector.
The event made me more determined than ever to support the farmers, landowners, communities and individuals who do so much to help rural Scotland thrive. We all know that Christmas is a time for giving, goodwill, and, let's be honest, a whole lot of shopping! But what if we could make our festive spending a force for good? This year, let's trade the frenzied consumerism for thoughtful, sustainable choices by following the FOREST acronym, with a special focus on supporting local and agricultural communities.
Ready to find gifts that spread cheer, not carbon? Let's dive into how the F.O.R.E.S.T. can guide your ethical Christmas shopping.
F: Farm
Look for farm shops, farmers' markets, or independent butchers and bakers in your area for your festive food and drink.
O: Organic
Think about organic cheese (we recommend Connage Highland Dairy), cotton pyjamas, or even organic spices for your festive baking.
R: Rural
Seek out gifts like handmade soap, sheepskin gifts (we love SkyeSkyns), woven textiles, or custom woodwork from businesses based outside the eight cities.
E: Ethical
Support B Corps (such as Arbikie Distillery), social enterprises, or businesses that openly report on their supply chain ethics and pay a living wage.
S: Sustainable
Opt for a unique gift like OnRecord audio memory for posterity, a subscription, or gift an experience like a pottery class or a spa day.
T: Ten Miles
The final and arguably simplest step: buy local! Visit your local Christmas markets, independent bookshops, and craft fairs for unique, low-mileage gifts.
Rural Scotland Unpacked: Your Latest News & Opportunities
SECTOR NEWS:
Helping It Happen Award Winners
Conservation: Bob Kindness (River Carron Conservation Association) revitalised salmon and sea trout populations via an innovative stocking programme.
Education: Ben McCallum preserved rural skills (e.g., fly fishing, rivercraft) through accredited courses and youth programmes.
Enhancing Our Environment through Land Management: Joyce Campbell (Armadale Farm) redefined modern farming through peatland restoration and regenerative grazing.
Good News: Women in Wellies Podcast highlighted women shaping rural Scotland through inspiring stories and practical advice.
Innovation in Farming: Digital Dairy Chain is transforming the dairy sector in South and West Scotland and Cumbria with innovation and productivity support.
Combatting Climate Change: MAKAR Ltd pioneered timber-based, off-site construction, delivering over 250 Net Zero homes in Scotland.
Rural Business: Natural Power, a global renewable energy consultancy, supports over 2,000 clients worldwide with low-carbon projects.
Rural Property: Wemyss & March Estates developed Longniddry South as a sustainable, connected village with high-quality design.
Rural Rising Star: Sammi Kinghorn, Paralympic champion, inspires rural communities and advocates for farm safety and mental health.
Tourism & Visitor Management: Crawick Multiverse, a 55-acre land art installation on a former coalmine, attracts global visitors and boosts the local economy.
Working With Communities: Arrochar Community Hydro created a hydroelectric scheme for Luss, Arrochar, and Tarbet using donated land.
Heart Awards Recipients:
Aberdeenshire Highland Beef (Grace Noble): A family-run rural business demonstrating innovation and resilience.
Megginch Castle Orchard: A conservation project researching soil health, biodiversity, and genetic conservation to revive Scotland’s apple heritage.
OnFARM Podcast: Louping-ill in sheep and grouse: crowdfunding a vaccine
Tick-borne virus Louping-ill has been spreading across Scotland since a vaccine was withdrawn. The disease is fatal to sheep and red grouse, though it can also infect and be carried by cattle, horses, dogs, and humans. Now, the Moredun Research Institute and industry partner Kernfarm have developed a new-generation vaccine and launched a crowdfunding campaign to bring it into production.
- Listen as Beth Wells from the Moredun joined Anna to discuss both the crowdfunder work and the vaccine.
- Donate to the Moredun's Louping Ill vaccine crowdfunder here.
- Beth and Anna mentioned BBC Scotland's episode of Landward featuring Moredun's research on Louping Ill - find it here.
- See news on the Scottish Government's £100,000 match-funding pledge for a Louping-ill vaccine here, with a call for industry backing.
Other bodies and organisations involved in developing the Louping-ill vaccine include: Scottish Land and Estates (SLE), the National Sheep Association, the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project, the Sheep Veterinary Society, Sandhill Vets, and The Moredun Foundation.
The potential of oil-based cover crops to provide an alternative aviation fuel - Scientists at The James Hutton Institute and SRUC have collaborated on a report for the Scottish Government on the potential for oil seed cover crops grown in Scotland to be used as a feedstock for aviation fuel. Read more
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From Advent calendars to Hogmanay, December is a vibrant tapestry of seasonal celebrations, insightful observations, and delicious delights! This month is your prime opportunity to showcase your brand's personality, thank your customers, and finish the year with a bang.
Let's dive into the calendar and explore the opportunities to connect with potential customers and drive end-of-year sales.
December dates for your Social Media Marketing
1 - 24: Advent
Run a special in-store or online offer just for the day.
Remember to:
By following these tips and incorporating these content ideas, you can create a memorable and engaging social media campaign for December.
Anna Davies: Email: anna@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
Ross (Monty) Montague: Email: monty@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
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