Prestigious marine award for Fair Isle conservationist Nick

A Fair Isle-based conservationist has been honoured with the Marine Conservation Award at the prestigious RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards.

Nick Riddiford after being presented with the Marine Conservation Award by (from left) comedian Fred MacAulay, television presenter Sally Magnusson and fisheries minister Richard Lochhead.
Nick Riddiford after being presented with the Marine Conservation Award by (from left) comedian Fred MacAulay, television presenter Sally Magnusson and fisheries minister Richard Lochhead.

Nick Riddiford of the Fair Isle Marine Environment and Tourism Initiative impressed the judges with his years of work campaigning for better protection of the seas around Fair Isle.

After winning the award, Mr Riddiford said: “I am delighted and Fair Isle is delighted. This award recognises the efforts and aspirations of an entire community to safeguard its threatened marine environment. We now need the decision makers to do the same.”

The Nature of Scotland awards recognise and celebrate excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement in nature conservation.

The judges said they had a tough time sifting through over 70 high-quality entries, but  managed to narrow it down to nine winners, each taking home the top prize in their category.

The award ceremony was held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh, hosted by comedian and talk show host Fred MacAulay and broadcaster and presenter Sally Magnusson.

Director of RSPB Scotland Stuart Housden said the event brought together a range of industry professionals, public sector organisations, community groups, politicians, charities and conservationists, all of whom have an interest in conserving Scotland’s greatest asset – its natural heritage.

Mr Housden said: “With the Year of Natural Scotland coming to a close, the Nature of Scotland Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the very best in Scottish conservation and honour the leading lights in the field.

“Congratulations to the very worthy winners.We hope the standard set today will encourage many others across the whole country to follow suit.”

NO COMMENTS

Add Your Comment

Add Your Comment

Please note, it is the policy of The Shetland Times to publish comments and letters from named individuals only. Both forename and surname are required.

Comments are moderated. Contributors must observe normal standards of decency and tolerance for the opinions of others.

The views expressed are those of contributors and not of The Shetland Times.

The Shetland Times reserves the right to decline or remove any contribution without notice or stating reason.

Comments are limited to 200 words but please email longer articles or letters to editorial@shetlandtimes.co.uk for consideration and include a daytime telephone number and your address. If emailing information in confidence please put "Not for publication" in both the subject line and at the top of the main message.

200 words left

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

logo

Get Latest News in Your Inbox

Join the The Shetland Times mailing list to get one daily email update at midday on what's happening in Shetland.