Jillian triumphs at ‘Rural Oscars’
Jillian Kennedy, a Senior Forest Manager at Scottish Woodlands, has won a top award at Scotland’s ‘Rural Oscars’.
She was named Rural Rising Star at the Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) Helping it Happen Awards, and received her prize in front of almost 500 people. Jillian said she was “surprised and delighted” to win the award.
She was also one of only 3 finalists for the Rural Champion prize, but missed out to Emma Ruxton of the Royal Northern Countryside Initiative, which connects thousands of young people with farming, food production and rural life.
Left to right - Steven Young, Director of Policy, Scottish Land & Estates, Jillian Kennedy, Scottish Woodlands Ltd and David Robertson, Investment and Business Development Director
The Helping it Happen Awards were celebrating their 10th anniversary and attracted their biggest-ever audience. SLE Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Laing said they recognised “superb and inspiring work” by people who were “rich in talent, determination and innovation”.
Scottish Woodlands Ltd was a sponsor of the awards and Managing Director Ian Robinson said: "These awards are going from strength to strength and we are delighted to be part of it - and thrilled that Jillian was one of the winners, as a reward for her brilliant work.”
Jillian is immediate past chair of the SAYFC, and constantly strived to bring farming and forestry closer together by fostering greater mutual understanding and cooperation.
Her citation as a Rural Champion finalist says: “Jillian has strengthened rural communities through leadership in forestry, youth development and cross-sector collaboration. As a Senior Forest Manager and National Chair of SAYFC, she bridges farming and forestry, develops young people’s skills and confidence, and ensures rural voices are represented in national and European policy discussions.”
Jillian said: “The Helping It Happen Awards are a fantastic celebration of rural life, and this special award is a great addition. The past few years have been an incredible journey across forestry, farming and SAYFC, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to contribute, learn and support others along the way.”
