Do you know a rural hero?

NOMINATIONS for rural heroes are being sought from Dumfries and Galloway. The Helping It Happen Awards are now open for entries from the people, farms, businesses and community projects powering rural Scotland. The categories are conservation; education; enhancing our environment through land management; ‘Good News’; innovation in farming; combatting climate change; outstanding contribution to rural Scotland; rural business; rural champion; rural property; rural rising star; tourism and visitor management; and working with communities. Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of organisers Scottish Land & Estates, said: “These awards are about celebrating the people who keep rural Scotland moving, innovating and thriving.” Entries close later this summer, with winners to be announced at a gala ceremony this autumn.