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| The Golden Plover Award is seeking the best upland sheep farmers in 2016! |
The Heather Trust and the Game and Wildlife
Conservation Trust (Scotland) have announced
applications are open for the 2016 Golden Plover Award for Moorland Management
and Lindsays are proud sponsors of this coveted award.
Now in its fourth year, the Golden Plover recognises
progressive, practical and sustainable moorland management in Scotland. This year the Award's theme reflects sheep
farming's role as a major upland land use.
Adam Smith, Director (Scotland) of
the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust said “The judges will be looking to
identify the best integration of farming enterprises with conservation, sport
and other business interests. The award is open to farms, estates, individuals
and syndicates, or any other individual or group who can demonstrate their
interest in sheep grazing contributing to high quality moorland management.
Striking such a balance isn’t easy, needing attention to habitat quality,
parasite control, lambing, and a collaborative work strategy with neighbours
and local keepers, so we are very keen to applaud those who have managed to
pull it off!”
Michael Yellowlees, Head of Rural Services at Lindsays, said: “Our rural team
understands the realities of modern rural life and we are delighted to support
this award which celebrates the enthusiasm and commitment required to manage
Scotland’s uplands.
“We are extremely
proud that we have worked with generations of the same family on numerous
Scottish estates and farms, many with a strong sheep enterprise. Our enduring
relationship with rural clients reflects our in-depth knowledge and genuine
expertise in specialised areas such as agricultural law, crofting law,
renewable energy, telecommunications, forestry, minerals, sportings and feudal
dignities.”
Previous winners
have included Edinglassie Estate on Donside for their support for scientific
research into grouse management and Finzean near Banchory for their dedication
to community and conservation.
Simon Thorp, Director of the Heather Trust, said: “We hope
2016 will build on the success of the last three years of the Golden Plover
Award, which has really helped to highlight the hard work and dedication
involved in managing Scotland’s uplands. This year, we aim to demonstrate the
really positive impact that shepherds and farmers can make on our hills and moorlands,
complementing a range of different interests, from sport and conversation to
peatland and renewables.”
Applicants are invited to submit their entry by 12 noon
on 23 March 2016 and winners will be presented at the Scottish Game Fair at
Scone Palace on Friday 1 July. You can
download an application form from the Golden Plover Award website
