Lynbreck Croft wins Nature of Scotland Food and Farming Award

"Food and farming are becoming even more important as Scotland aims to expand its food and drink sector, and this award recognises the people who are managing our farmland and producing food in ways that support nature"

Lynn Cassells and Sandra Baer, managers of Lynbreck Croft, have picked up the Nature of Scotland 2019 Food and Farming Award, sponsored by the James Hutton Institute, for their success in establishing a 150-acre mixed habitat croft enterprise focussed on sustainable food production.

The award was presented by Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute, at a ceremony held at the Edinburgh Sheraton Grand Hotel with 370 guests in attendance, as well as 44 finalists across nine categories and a special Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Simon Pepper OBE.

Lynbreck Croft previously won the inaugural NEWBIE UK award for New Entrant Farm Business of the Year, presented at the Royal Highland Show 2019.

Transition Turriefield earned a highly commended mention in the Food and Farming category of the Nature of Scotland Awards for developing an innovative community growing project based in the far west of Shetland, which strives to make fresh produce available locally to address issues of health, sustainability and food security in a challenging natural environment.

Professor Campbell said: "Food and farming are becoming even more important as Scotland aims to expand its food and drink sector, and this award recognises the people who are managing our farmland and producing food in ways that support nature.

"Huge congratulations to Lynbreck Croft on winning this well-deserved award, as well as to Transition Turriefield and to everyone shortlisted for a Nature of Scotland Award."

The Nature of Scotland Awards recognise and celebrate excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement in nature conservation, and bring together industry professionals, public sector organisations, community groups, politicians, charities and conservationists who share a common interest in preserving Scotland’s precious natural heritage. Besides Lynbreck Croft, winners of the remaining awards at the 2019 gala were:

• Business Award: Comrie Croft 
• Coasts and Waters Award: Seasearch
• Community Initiative Award: Back from the Brink - Saving our Small Blue
• Conservation Science Award: Understanding and conserving Scottish cold-water coral reefs and deep-sea habitats
• Innovation Award: TCV Natural Talent programme - Closing the ecological skills gap
• Political Advocate of the Year Award: Roseanna Cunningham MSP
• Species Champion Award: Stewart Taylor's Amazing Aspen
• Youth and Education Award: Sunnyside Primary – how small ripples bring about tides of change
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Simon Pepper OBE

For more information about the Nature of Scotland Awards, visit the RSPB Scotland website.