‘Oscars’ for conservation in Scotland announced

CONTENDERS for honours in the first ever nature conservation “Oscars” have been unveiled.

Businesses, charities, community groups, politicians and police officers have been have been shortlisted for the inaugural Nature of Scotland Awards, which will be handed out on 1 March.

Among the nominees for the outstanding contribution to nature conservation award are Lord Jamie Lindsay, a former rural affairs minister, and chair of Scotland’s Moorland Forum, mycologist Roy Watling and Superintendent Alan Smailes, head of wildlife and environment crime at Grampian Police.

Awards will also be given to reward marine projects, sustainable development initiatives, species champions and innovations.

The awards scheme has been set up by RSPB Scotland to help celebrate “excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement in nature conservation.”

Stuart Housden, director of RSPB Scotland, said: “We applaud all entrants for their efforts to conserve species and habitats throughout Scotland.”

Ian Jardine, chief executive of Scottish Natural Heritage, said: “Scotland’s natural environment is the country’s greatest asset.”