Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards Ceremony goes online for the first time
Scotland’s Finest Woods will make history in 2021 by holding its celebratory awards ceremony online for the first time.
The long-running awards are normally presented at the Royal Highland Show in June, but the flagship agricultural event has been cancelled for the second year running.
The awards ceremony will now take place online on Friday September 10th, starting at 12 noon and completing by 1pm.
The decision to move the event until later in the year will allow judges more time to visit sites safely and in line with Covid-19 guidance, to make their decisions on the winners of the 10 competitions across 6 categories – for Quality Timber, New Native Woods, Community Woodlands, Farm Woodlands and Schools, as well as a new Climate Change Champion Award.
“The Trustees were extremely keen for the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards to go ahead in 2021 after the disappointment of having to cancel the 2020 programme,” said Angela Douglas, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods.
“However, we are very mindful of Covid-19 restrictions and wanted to give our judges more time to be able to visit sites safely. The Trustees have put the safety of judges and entrants at the top of our priority list.”
“Even before the cancellation of the Royal Highland Show, we realised that social distancing restrictions would limit the numbers at any in-person event – so started planning an online alternative.”
Scotland’ Finest Woods is working with Starkevents to create an online event which captures the high quality and prestigious reputation of the Awards as well as their relaxed, friendly and celebratory nature.
“We are working hard to ensure we can deliver an event which is enjoyable, but also celebrates and recognises the very best of our woodlands. We will reveal more details of the event over the coming months,” said Angela Douglas.
Photos: Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2019 – © Julie Broadfoot / Juliebee – www.juliebee.co.uk
