Recognising excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement in Scottish nature conservation, the search has begun to discover conservation heroes in business for the Nature of Scotland Awards 2018 brought to you in association with Scottish Natural Heritage.

Entering the awards is free and applications are being sought across nine categories including the Business Award which celebrates businesses large and small that can clearly demonstrate the difference they have made for nature in Scotland. Awarded to an innovative collaborative project restoring native oyster beds in the Dornoch Firth  in 2017, this year we are looking to hear from businesses that stand out from the crowd by doing things differently and applications will be judged based on the impact delivered in proportion to the size of the business and available resource.

The other eight award categories are: Community Initiative, Food and Farming, Innovation, Nature Tourism, Political Advocate of the Year, RSPB Young Nature Champion, Sustainable Development and Youth and Education.

The Nature of Scotland Awards shortlist will be unveiled at a Parliamentary Reception in September and the winners will be announced at a prestigious Presentation Dinner on 22 November at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh. Successfully shortlisted entries will receive two complimentary tickets to the dinner hosted by inspirational BBC TV presenter Kate Humble and BBC Scotland’s Euan McIlwraith.

Find out more about the awards and submit your application by 11 June by visiting rspb.org.uk/natureofscotland.