Two Estate-based enterprises have been recognised in this year’s Scottish Land & Estates’ Helping It Happen awards.

Aberdeenshire Highland Beef has received two nominations, one for the continued growth of its  popular Lochton of Leys farm tours, and another for its Supper Clubs, developed in partnership with Meldrum House Hotel.

Aberdeenshire Highland Beef was founded by Grace Noble in 2017, and has grown from just 20 Highland cows to a vertically integrated enterprise producing premium beef and offering immersive farm experiences. The herd has grown to 100, selling direct-to-consumer under the Aberdeenshire Highland Beef brand. Her tours now attract over 12,000 visitors annually, offering guests a unique experience.

The Seed Box has also been nominated for its inspiring work supporting adults with additional support needs across its outdoor therapy centres and diversification at Lochton of Leys.

The Seed Box provides a day service for adults and children with additional support needs, who are presently unable to work in mainstream employment. The outdoor therapy centres provide meaningful work-related activities for the charity’s co-workers, promoting and encouraging independence and social rehabilitation as well as providing training in life skills. The charity’s ambition is that this will enable co-workers to progress to mainstream employment at a point in the future

The Seed Box operates from three sites: the walled gardens at Ballogie Estate and Glen Tanar Estate, and a purpose-built site at Lochton of Leys on the Leys Estate – opened in 2024 – which includes a shop and car park. The new site has already allowed The Seed Box to expand, working with more co-workers.

Now in its 12th year, the charity has seen huge improvements in the clients’ wellbeing, along with their co-workers showing increased self-confidence and communication and being able to complete new tasks.

The winners will be announced at the Scottish Land & Estates’ awards ceremony in Edinburgh on 1st October.

A full list of this year’s nominees is available here.