Paralympic champion shortlisted for SWL award
CHAMPION wheelchair racer Sammi Kinghorn has been shortlisted for a rural award sponsored by Scottish Woodlands Ltd.
Sammi, 29 and from the Scottish Borders, won a gold medal at the 2024 Paralympics. She is one of four finalists for the Rural Rising Star Award, part of the Helping It Happen Awards 2025.
Sammie Kinghorn
The awards - organised by Scottish Land & Estates and sponsored by NatureScot - recognise the people and projects driving positive change in rural Scotland. With 11 categories – spanning education, conservation, farming, tourism, and rural enterprise – they celebrate the remarkable work that underpins the vibrancy and resilience of the countryside.
The full list of finalists for the Rural Rising Star Award, sponsored by Scottish Woodlands Ltd, is:
- Ben McClymont: Ben manages 700 hectares across Saughland and Crichton Farm in Midlothian, advising neighbouring businesses, while leading in Scotland’s agricultural community through NFUS and Young Farmers, promoting innovation, leadership, and sector development.
- Iona Campbell: Iona co-founded Women Who Work in Field Sports, creating an inclusive platform that supports and empowers women in the traditionally male-dominated sector, while advancing representation, connection, and engagement through leadership and outreach.
- Lucy Pattinson: Lucy, chef and game meat champion, co-founded Fodder + Farm and Goat Rodeo Goods, based in Stirling - promoting regenerative farming, seasonal produce, sustainability, and minimal waste through innovative cooking and food entrepreneurship.
- Sammi Kinghorn: Sammi, Paralympic champion from the Scottish Borders, inspires rural communities through advocacy for farm safety, mental health, and inclusion, transforming personal adversity into leadership and positive impact across agriculture.
Ian Robinson, Managing Director of Scottish Woodlands Ltd, said: “This is an inspiring shortlist of highly impressive young people. It’s so important to recognise the emerging talent that will help rural Scotland flourish in the future, and as a company, Scottish Woodlands Ltd is honoured to be able to do that as part of this highly-regarded awards programme.”
Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates and chair of the judging panel, said: “This year’s entries highlight just how much creativity, commitment and passion there is across rural Scotland. The standard has been incredibly high, and we are looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our finalists and winners when we come together for the awards this October.”
The Helping It Happen Awards 2025 ceremony takes place on Wednesday, 1 October, at The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.