Dolphin-watching is one of the most engaging wildlife spectacles in Scotland.


“The standard of applicants for these awards has been tremendously high. We applaud all our entrants for their efforts to conserve and protect species and habitats throughout Scotland.”


Stuart Housden, Director of RSPB Scotland Heroes of Scottish conservation


Recognising significant contributions to nature conservation was on the agenda at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh recently. The first ever RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards saw people from all walks of life rewarded for their fantastic contribution to Scotland’s natural heritage.


Hosted by comedian and presenter Fred MacAulay, the event brought together a range of businesses, public sector organisations, community groups, politicians and individuals, all of whom have an interest in safeguarding and conserving Scotland’s greatest asset – its natural heritage. The judging panel comprised RSPB Scotland Director, Stuart Housden, Ian Jardine, Chief Executive of Scottish Natural Heritage, respected naturalist and author Sir John Lister-Kaye OBE and BBC TV and radio presenter Euan McIlwraith. They had a tough job picking just six category winners from around 90 entries. First of the night was the Marine Award won by the Dolphin Space Programme, an innovative wildlife project offering sustainable and educational dolphin-watching opportunities in the Moray Firth. You can read more about this programme in our Area News section under the South Highland entry. There was local success for a celebrated Lochwinnoch project in the Sustainable Development Category. The Local Energy Action Plan (LEAP) aims to reduce domestic energy consumption in the 1200 households of Lochwinnoch, and deliver a positive impact on climate change by saving energy and raising awareness of energy conservation measures.


58 Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment,


Richard Lochhead MSP picked up the first prize for Politician of the Year. His efforts to make the Common Fisheries Policy more sustainable, and his support for Scotland’s first land use strategy caught the eye of the judges.


It was the unique partnership between conservation and the health service that impressed the judges when it came to the winner of the Innovation Award. Forestry Commission Scotland’s Branching Out initiative provides opportunities for people attending mental health services to take part in conservation and greenspace activities on referral. The beneficial health rewards from involving people in green space and local action for wildlife won over judges.


Renowned mycologist Professor Roy Watling MBE took home the Outstanding Contribution to Nature Award for a lifetime of inspiring and educating the public, conservation organisations and policy-makers about the importance of fungi. Roy has an international scientific reputation yet he retains the ability to communicate with people from all walks of life on his passion for fungi. Stirlingshire farmer Alastair Robb was named Species Champion for the management work he has undertaken on his Townhead Farm to help breeding lapwings. Finally, the judges decided a special honour, a Lifetime


Achievement Award, should be presented to 81 year old Rosalie ‘Roley’ Walton for her contribution to outdoor learning and longstanding dedication to conservation near her home in Livingston. For more details and to find out more about the winning projects visit www.rspb.org.uk/natureofscotland


The Nature of Scotland


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