The Golden Plover Returns!

The Golden Plover returns! (David Mason)

After four successful years, the Golden Plover Award for Moorland Management is now looking for applicants to make 2017 the biggest and best award to date. Run by The Heather Trust and the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust Scotland (GWCT Scotland) with support from Lindsays solicitors, the Golden Plover Award highlights the very best of progressive, forward-thinking moorland management across the country. Open to any group, farm, estate or individual with a proven track record of balanced management, the award is becoming well established as a celebration of balanced diversity in Scotland’s uplands.

Having explored a range of themes from farming to peatland in previous years, 2017 will be geared towards the north west of Scotland; west of the Great Glen, including Argyllshire and the Isles. Anyone can apply to enter the Golden Plover Award provided they can show a dedicated level of commitment to multiple land uses. The size of landholding is immaterial; the award welcomes everyone from the smallest croft to the largest estate.

Over the past few years, the Golden Plover Award has travelled from prestigious estates on Royal Deeside to tiny apportionments in the Outer Isles, seeking out the most progressive and imaginative management. Above all other factors, the judges will be looking for passion, pride and a devotion to the best outcomes for the western Highlands and Islands. The unique blend of land uses in the north west will take the award into new and exciting terrain, embracing diverse issues such as upland fisheries, rural employment, conservation, peatland, deer and crofting.  

Speaking about the launch of the 2017 award, Heather Trust Director Simon Thorp said “there are so many exciting and progressive management projects in the north west of Scotland. Upland farms and estates are balancing traditional enterprises like deer stalking and crofting with contemporary ventures like tourism and renewables, and that kind of integration is exactly what the Golden Plover Award is all about”.

Michael Yellowlees, Partner at Lindsays and Head of Rural Services, said: “We are delighted to continue supporting the Golden Plover Award which celebrates the dedication and enthusiasm involved in the effective management of Scotland’s uplands.

“Our relationships with numerous estates and families across the north west of Scotland extend over generations and this is something we are incredibly proud to recognise.  We have an experienced team who have a sound understanding of the realities of rural life today, as well as the priorities of clients who have has stewardship of their land for hundreds of years.”

If you think you fit the bill for 2017’s award, or if you know someone who does, find out more on the Golden Plover Award’s website at www.goldenploveraward.co.uk.