Scottish Agriculture Awards 2026 Open for Nominations with Virgin Money as Headline Sponsor

Key facts

• Nominations for the Scottish Agriculture Awards 2026 are now open.
• Virgin Money is the new headline sponsor, joining AgriScot and The Scottish Farmer.
• The awards will take place in October 2026.
• Stephen Buchan, head of agriculture for Scotland at Virgin Money, highlighted the bank's long-standing support for farming.
• AgriScot Chairman Gilmore Lawrie noted the industry is 'carrying a heavier load than most.'
• The awards recognize traditional family farms, start-ups, and tech-led enterprises.
• An experienced panel of judges will select the winners.

A Night to Celebrate Scottish Farming's Best

Nominations have opened for the Scottish Agriculture Awards 2026, an event that honors innovation, resilience, and excellence across the farming industry. The awards, now in their fifth year, are organized by The Scottish Farmer and AgriScot, with Virgin Money joining as the new headline sponsor. The ceremony is scheduled for October 2026, promising a larger celebration than previous years. John Sleigh, editor of The Scottish Farmer, emphasized the importance of recognizing achievements during challenging times. 'It has never been more important to take stock and celebrate excellence,' he said.

Virgin Money Steps In as Headline Sponsor

Virgin Money, building on the heritage of Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank, has a long history of supporting Scottish agriculture. Stephen Buchan, head of agriculture for Scotland at Virgin Money, stated that the bank is proud to sponsor the awards, which recognize progressive farm businesses, diversification, sustainability, and natural capital. 'Agriculture is one of Virgin Money's most important sectors,' Buchan said, noting the bank's dedicated team provides specialist financial advice tailored to rural and agri-business customers. In an environment shaped by market volatility, rising costs, and ongoing policy change, Virgin Money works closely with farmers to help manage risk and plan for the future.

AgriScot Chairman Highlights Industry Challenges

AgriScot Chairman Gilmore Lawrie expressed enthusiasm for the 2026 awards, acknowledging the heavy burden the industry currently carries. 'As we launch nominations for the 2026 Scottish Agriculture Awards, we do so at a moment when the industry is carrying a heavier load than most,' he said. The awards aim to showcase innovation, resilience, and ambition across the sector, from newcomers shaping the future to established names continuing to push boundaries. Lawrie's comments reflect the broader context of market volatility, rising costs, and policy changes affecting Scottish farmers.

Nominations Open Across All Sectors

The awards are seeking nominations from every corner of Scotland, including traditional family farms, pioneering start-ups, and tech-led enterprises. An experienced panel of judges will carefully select the winners, ensuring a rigorous evaluation process. John Sleigh encouraged broad participation: 'We are seeking nominations from every corner of the country, from traditional family farms to pioneering start-ups and tech-led enterprises.' The event aims to champion the sector, celebrate success, and inspire the next generation of Scottish farming leaders.

A Platform for Resilience and Innovation

The Scottish Agriculture Awards have run successfully for four years, and the 2026 edition promises to be even bigger. The awards recognize not only farming excellence but also the vital role of the wider support network that keeps the industry moving forward. Stephen Buchan highlighted the resilience of Scottish farming: 'Scottish farming continues to demonstrate real resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. These awards are an important opportunity to recognize the hard work, innovation and commitment across the sector.' The event serves as a platform to celebrate those who have dedicated a lifetime to agriculture and encourage the next generation.

Looking Ahead to October 2026

The awards ceremony will take place in October 2026, bringing together farmers, industry leaders, and sponsors. The event is expected to draw attention to the achievements of Scottish agriculture and provide networking opportunities. With nominations now open, the organizers hope to attract a diverse range of entries. The winners will be announced at the ceremony, which aims to reflect the professionalism and passion of Scottish agriculture. As John Sleigh put it, 'Join us this October to champion our sector, celebrate success, and inspire the next generation of Scottish farming leaders.'

The bottom line

• The Scottish Agriculture Awards 2026 are now accepting nominations, with Virgin Money as headline sponsor.
• The awards celebrate innovation, resilience, and excellence across Scottish farming, from family farms to tech-led enterprises.
• The industry faces challenges including market volatility, rising costs, and policy changes, making recognition important.
• AgriScot Chairman Gilmore Lawrie noted the industry is 'carrying a heavier load than most.'
• The ceremony will take place in October 2026, aiming to inspire the next generation of farming leaders.
• Virgin Money's sponsorship underscores its long-standing support for Scottish agriculture.