Tuesday October 6th 2026
Penicuik House
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Penicuik House’s contribution to the rural economy, conservation and community life in Midlothian has been recognised at Scotland’s flagship rural awards, hosted by Scottish Land & Estates (SLE).
The Rural Property Award, sponsored by Bidwells, was awarded to Penicuik House for demonstrating how a rural business enterprise can be fully integrated with conservation and community objectives.
Built in 1760 as the stable block to the original Penicuik House, it has been transformed into an exclusive-use hospitality enterprise. The refurbishment made significant use of local contractors, and the venue now employs a rapidly expanding team in its day-to-day operation.
Penicuik House works as part of a cycle: hospitality income funding landscape restoration, which attracts visitors, in turn sustaining the revenue that cares for the estate. Public access and low-carbon operation remain cornerstones of the enterprise.
The Helping it Happen Awards, which marked their 10th anniversary this year, honour the businesses, community projects and individuals from across rural Scotland making an outstanding contribution to the rural economy, communities, wildlife and the environment. In all there have been 94 recipients of Helping It Happen awards since 2017, with 1,000 case studies showcasing the talent and creativity of the sector.
Organised by SLE with headline sponsor NatureScot, the glittering ceremony was attended by rural politicians and representatives from rural organisations, businesses and communities.
L-R Stephen Young (SLE), Fiona Strauss (Penicuik Estate), Stuart Watson (Penicuik Estate), Ralph Peters (Bidwells)
Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, commented: “At a time when rural Scotland faces significant economic, environmental and social challenges, these awards demonstrate the scale of innovation, resilience and leadership being shown by individuals, businesses and community organisations across the country.
“Whether it is supporting mental wellbeing, tackling climate change, educating young people or creating new economic opportunities, every winner demonstrates that rural Scotland is not standing still. It is adapting, investing and leading.
“It has been a privilege over the past ten years to celebrate the individuals, businesses and community projects making such a positive difference across rural Scotland. Together, they tell a powerful story of innovation, determination and community spirit, and of a rural economy that continues to evolve and thrive.”
NatureScot Deputy Director of Green Economy, Claudia Rowse said: “When people and nature come together in the fight against climate change, we can achieve truly remarkable things. It has been a privilege to be a judge at these Helping it Happen Awards and to see so many people taking positive action for nature, climate, the economy and communities.
“I have been so impressed by the standard of applications, showcasing the energy and commitment happening right across Scotland. This year’s nominees reflect the positive and sustainable work that so many individuals, estates, farms and rural businesses are doing to support their communities and nature.”
The Rural Champion Award was presented for the first time to mark the awards’ 10th anniversary. Emma Ruxton, of Royal Northern Countryside Initiative (RNCI), won the award, receiving a prize of £10,000 to support the work of the RNCI courtesy of The Royal Countryside Fund, a UK-wide charity that works alongside farming families and rural communities to provide the support and funding they need to thrive.
Keith Halstead, Chief Executive of the Royal Countryside Fund said: “The RCF has supported rural community groups from all over Scotland and the rest of the UK for more than 16 years and so we understand the power of communities in setting and achieving their own ambitions to improve rural life. The hard work of these organisations usually takes place far away from the limelight, so we are very proud to sponsor the Rural Champion Award to celebrate this work publicly and provide £10,000 in funding to support the amazing work of the RNCI. I would like to extend my congratulations to Emma Ruxton as well as my thanks to everyone who was shortlisted for this award, for all they do for their rural communities.”
The Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland was presented to Lady Claire Macdonald OBE, an acclaimed cook, award-winning cookery writer, and a champion of Scotland’s cuisine and seasonal ingredients. Lady Macdonald pioneered the use of locally sourced ingredients long before it became popular and is a patron of Scottish Food Fortnight and the Association of Scottish Farmers’ Markets.
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