Wheelchair racer Sammi wins SWL award
A GOLD medal wheelchair racer has won another award - this time for her immense and inspiring contribution to rural communities in Scotland.
Sammi Kinghorn, 29, won the Rural Rising Star Award, sponsored by Scottish Woodlands Ltd - for her work in inspiring rural communities. She was rewarded for her advocacy for farm safety, mental health, and inclusion, and for transforming her personal adversity into leadership and positive impact across agriculture.
The award was part of the Helping It Happen Awards 2025, organised by Scottish Land & Estates and sponsored by NatureScot.
Sammi, who won a gold medal at the 2024 Paralympics, was chosen from four finalists in the category. She was not able to attend the ceremony, so Clare Sturla, Regional Manager (South East), Scottish Land and Estates, collected the award on Sammi's behalf from Ian Robinson, Managing Director of Scottish Woodlands Ltd.
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.
Ian Robinson, Managing Director of Scottish Woodlands Ltd, said: “I'm delighted that Sammi Kinghorn won this award, as she is a truly inspiring individual who is doing so much for rural communities across Scotland. She has channelled her personal adversity into something truly special."
He added: "Anyone on the shortlist of four could have won the award as they are all doing great things. It’s crucial to recognise and reward the emerging talent that will help rural Scotland flourish in the future, and Scottish Woodlands Ltd is honoured to be able to support that as part of this highly-regarded awards programme.”
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."
“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.”
The Helping It Happen Awards took place on Wednesday, 1 October, at The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.