A pioneering community organisation from the north-west Highlands has been shortlisted in the Helping It Happen Awards 2025, which celebrate inspirational people, projects and businesses transforming rural Scotland.

The awards – organised by Scottish Land & Estates and sponsored by NatureScot – highlight the individuals and organisations making a real difference to life in the countryside.

Coigach Community Development, founded in 2010, is a finalist in the Working With Communities Award. Established in response to a housing crisis, the organisation has supported the local community through projects, grants and land ownership. Among its most notable achievements is fundraising for a wind turbine, which now provides a stable income stream to fund local initiatives and strengthen resilience in Coigach for the long term.

They are shortlisted alongside Ardnamurchan Estate/Ardnamurchan Trust, Arrochar Community Hydro, and the Community Instrumental Music Service for Rural Scotland.

Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates and chair of the judging panel, said:

 “This year’s entries highlight just how much creativity, commitment, and passion there is across rural Scotland.

“The breadth of projects – from small community initiatives to large-scale enterprises – shows the vital role people play in keeping our countryside vibrant and sustainable. The standard has been incredibly high, and we are looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our finalists and winners when we come together for the awards this October.”

Claudia Rowse, NatureScot’s Deputy Director of Green Economy and judge on the Helping it Happen panel, added:

“It’s truly inspiring to hear from this year’s nominees about the positive work that so many people are doing to boost the resilience of rural businesses and communities, with protecting and restoring nature so often a key part of that work. I hope that these examples can act as a motivation for others, encouraging more action to improve nature and climate alongside rural business resilience.”

The winners of all 11 award categories will be announced at a special ceremony on Wednesday 1 October at The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.