It was success for the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative at RSPB Scotland’s Nature of Scotland Awards last night.  The Initiative won the Coasts and Waters Award amid a strong field of finalists.  

The Scottish Invasive Species Initiative, an ambitious partnership project, was recognised for its success in delivering an innovative community-based strategic approach to the management of Invasive Non-Native Species alongside rivers in northern Scotland.  Invasive species are one of the top causes of biodiversity loss in the environment. 

Scottish Invasive Species Initiative Project Manager Callum Sinclair was thrilled to hear the news, commenting: “This is great recognition of our enthusiastic team and partners and, most important of all, of the commitment, dedication and motivation of our army of volunteers. We could not deliver our invasive plant and American mink control work without these volunteers and community groups and so this award recognises them above all else.

We’d also like to congratulate the other winners and all the finalists – the standard of entries was outstanding.  It was so inspiring to hear about all the amazing projects and conservation work happening across Scotland, especially that being done in schools.”

Co-sponsored by NatureScot, the awards recognise the very best in Scottish nature conservation, celebrating the inspirational people, projects, groups and schools working hard to protect Scotland’s precious natural heritage and making a difference in their local communities. 

Ten winners were awarded in the virtual ceremony last night (Wednesday 17 November) which was hosted by BBC Landward’s Arlene Stuart. 

Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland said: “The standard of entries for this year’s awards was excellent – especially when we consider how challenging the last two years have been for many.

“My fellow judges and I had a difficult job narrowing down our finalists to winners, as we saw some incredible examples of projects and initiatives from across the country – highlighting how much we value nature here in Scotland. 

“I’d like to extend my congratulations to all of our winners, and a special congratulations to our Nature Champions of the Decade; Sunnyside Primary. The young people there have worked tirelessly over the years to introduce campaigns to support Scotland’s species and habitats. It is this attitude in our young people that will help support the conservation of Scotland’s nature for generations to come.”

Francesca Osowska, chief executive of awards co-sponsor NatureScot, said: “COP 26 has highlighted the urgent need to tackle the twin crises of nature loss and climate change facing us all.

“Against that backdrop, it has been even more heartening to see an incredibly high standard of entries for this year’s awards. It’s particularly inspiring to see Sunnyside Primary School crowned our Nature Champions of the Decade, showing the power of the next generation, and reminding us that we all have to be champions for nature.”