Trio triumph at rural awards

THREE innovative organisations from Dumfries and Galloway have been recognised nationally for their exceptional contributions to rural enterprise, environmental leadership and sustainability. Digital Dairy Chain, Crawick Multiverse and Natural Power were all honoured at this year’s Helping It Happen Awards. Based at the Barony Campus in Dumfries, the Digital Dairy Chain claimed the Innovation in Farming Award for its ambitious cross-border work transforming the dairy sector across South and West Scotland and Cumbria. Crawick Multiverse, above, near Sanquhar, was awarded the Tourism and Visitor Management Award. And Natural Power, headquartered in Castle Douglas, won the Rural Business Award in recognition of its global leadership in renewable energy consultancy. With a team of more than 500 specialists supporting over 2000 clients in 68 countries, Natural Power provides expert advice and services that help deliver safe, low-carbon projects while maintaining deep roots in Dumfries and Galloway. Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of award organisers Scottish Land and Estates, said: “The Helping It Happen Awards are a true celebration of the people who keep Scotland’s countryside alive and thriving. The ceremony has honoured farmers who are reinventing tradition, businesses turning bold ideas into rural jobs, and communities protecting wildlife and tackling climate change head-on. Our winners prove that rural Scotland isn’t just keeping pace with change - it’s leading the way.”