Rural communities are being urged to share success stories from their local area as the Helping it Happen Awards 2024 nominations are launched.

Estates, farms, rural businesses, individuals, charities, and projects can all be nominated for the awards that focus on the essential role these parties play in helping the Scottish countryside thrive.

Now in its eighth year, the annual awards organised by Scottish Land and Estates have become one of the leading rural accolades in Scotland.

Helping it Happen is once again supported by returning headline sponsor NatureScot, and the 2024 awards were launched at Active Kids Adventure Park in Stanley near Perth – the winner of last year’s Rural Property Award.

Nominations across ten categories are now open for entries.

CEO of SLaE, Sarah-Jane Laing, said: "Our Helping it Happen Awards aim to spotlight the essential contributions made by land-based organisations and individuals to rural communities throughout Scotland, and I'm thrilled to kick off the nomination process for 2024.

"Whether it's aiding the environment, bolstering local economies, or making strides in farming and education, these awards celebrate those whose efforts often go under the radar.

"We encourage people across Scotland to nominate deserving candidates for this year's awards. Last year's entries were outstanding, and I eagerly await the nominations for 2024. Given our past experiences, I know our judging panel will face a tough task in selecting finalists."

Business development manager at Active Kids Adventure Park, Rowland Thomson, said: "The Helping it Happen awards were a great experience for us and not only gave attention to the positive work we do as a business but also helped raise the profile of Scotland's rural communities and economies. We would encourage others to enter nominations for the 2024 awards and wish everyone as much success as we had."

Nominations must be submitted via the Scottish Land and Estates website - https://www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen - by the deadline of June 28, with judging taking place shortly after. The awards are open to rural organisations and businesses, not just Scottish Land & Estates members. A gala awards ceremony where the winners will be announced for 2024 will be held in the autumn.