Crichton Trust selected as Finalist for Scottish Land and Estates National Rural Award
The Crichton Trust has been selected as a finalist in the Rural Business Awards category for this year’s Helping it Happen Awards, organised by Scottish Land & Estates and sponsored by NatureScot.
The annual Helping it Happen Awards recognise the role of the estates, farms, rural businesses and individuals who are helping rural Scotland thrive; the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in October.
The Rural Business award, sponsored by Shepherd and Wedderburn, recognises the innovative, diverse and even quirky business opportunities being grasped by a range of estates and land-based businesses across rural Scotland. A diverse category, this award aims to ensure that any rural business which is contributing to the local or national rural economy has a chance to be recognised.
The Crichton Trust is an independent charity managed by a board of independent trustees and lead by a management team who work to ensure the Estate’s quality greenspace, with its veteran trees and historic rock garden, are open to the public all year round
The Trust manages and oversees the maintenance of 27 red sandstone buildings (21 of which are listed) which house more than 150 businesses of all sizes. To diversify and support income streams, The Trust provides a café, co-working space and restaurant for business tenants, the local community and tourists alike. The Trust delivers all this to support our local economy and community and understanding and appreciation of the heritage estate and the rural environment.
At the heart of The Crichton Trust is an ambition to be successful custodians of the heritage estate for future generations, and to support all those who choose to live, work and play at The Estate. Through employment, educational opportunities, access to award winning greenspace, and high-quality business space, The Trust is a proud to be a key economic driver for Dumfries.
Gwilym Gibbons, CEO of The Crichton Trust had the following to say about the nomination:
“This is a fantastic recognition for The Trust. The time, effort and dedication that goes into ensuring The Estate is a welcome, vibrant place for people to work, play and live is crucial to our success, and to have this recognised is really wonderful.”