Ross-shire conservationist Bob Kindness nets SLE Helping it Happen award for salmon and sea trout success on River Carron
A well-known Ross-shire conservationist has been recognised on the national stage for his outstanding contribution to salmon and sea trout restoration in the Highlands.
Bob Kindness, who leads the River Carron Conservation Association, was named winner of the Conservation Award at this year’s Helping It Happen Awards, organised by Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) and sponsored by NatureScot.
The awards – now in their ninth year – were held in Edinburgh on October 1 and celebrated the people, businesses and projects driving positive change across Scotland’s countryside.
Eleven winners were announced across categories highlighting rural enterprise, community engagement, innovation and environmental stewardship.
Bob’s work on the River Carron, near Lochcarron, has transformed fish populations through an innovative stocking programme and captive broodstock facility, releasing up to 150,000 fry each year.
His efforts have revitalised the river’s salmon and sea trout numbers, providing a blueprint for sustainable fisheries management admired across Scotland and beyond.
Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “The Helping It Happen Awards are a true celebration of the people who keep Scotland’s countryside alive and thriving.
“The ceremony has honoured farmers who are reinventing tradition, businesses turning bold ideas into rural jobs, and communities protecting wildlife and tackling climate change head-on.
“Farming and food production remain the heartbeat of our nation, and it’s exhilarating to see such imagination, grit and resilience recognised on this stage. Our winners prove that rural Scotland isn’t just keeping pace with change - it’s leading the way.”
Claudia Rowse, deputy director of the Green Economy at awards headline sponsor NatureScot, added: "It is so uplifting to see such a wealth of talent and innovation at work in the country's rural communities, and across the whole of society, as people join together to balance the sensitive management of our natural world in order to protect and value biodiversity.
“This year's nominees show how working with nature can help contribute to business resilience and they embody real hope for the future."
Alongside Bob’s win, the evening also honoured achievements in farming innovation, renewable energy, education and community action across Scotland.
Other winners included Arrochar Community Hydro, Digital Dairy Chain, Joyce Campbell of Armadale Farm and Paralympian Sammi Kinghorn.
There were also several special honours were also announced on the night.
The award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland was awarded to Alistair Carmichael MP, who has represented Orkney & Shetland for 24 years.
Born into a hill farming family on Islay, he has been a tireless advocate for rural and island communities throughout his political career.
A former Secretary of State for Scotland, he now chairs the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, where he has championed fairer treatment for food producers, greater public procurement of local produce, and robust scrutiny of government policy affecting rural Scotland.
A special Lifetime Achievement Award was also made in memory of Alastair Salvesen CBE, who passed away in December 2024. For more than 60 years, Alastair was a leading figure in Scottish life – a businessman, philanthropist, landowner and great supporter of the arts and rural communities.
An active member of Scottish Land & Estates for over 30 years, his contribution to rural Scotland was described as “profound”. The award was presented to his wife Elizabeth, honouring his remarkable legacy.