“The Scottish Agriculture Awards return in 2026, building on four successful years celebrating the very best of our industry. We are delighted to announce our new headline sponsors Virgin Money who will be joining AgriScot and ourselves in bringing the best night in Scottish farming.
“Building on a strong foundation, this year’s event will be even bigger, with more opportunities to showcase innovation, resilience and ambition across the sector.
“It has never been more important to take stock and celebrate excellence, whether from newcomers shaping the future or established names continuing to push boundaries.
“With Virgin Money’s and AgriScot’s expertise, we will deliver a night that reflects the professionalism and passion of Scottish agriculture.
“We are seeking nominations from every corner of the country, from traditional family farms to pioneering start-ups and tech-led enterprises, and an experienced panel of judges will once again carefully select the winners. Join us this October to champion our sector, celebrate success, and inspire the next generation of Scottish farming leaders.”
Head of agriculture for Scotland at Virgin Money, Stephen Buchan said: “Celebrating excellence across every corner of the farming industry Virgin Money is proud to support this year’s Scottish Farming Awards as headline sponsor. From progressive farm businesses and those embracing diversification, to leaders in sustainability and natural capital, the awards recognise the breadth and strength of Scottish agriculture.
“They also honour those who have dedicated a lifetime to the sector, encourage the next generation coming through, and highlight the vital role of the wider support network that helps keep farming moving forward. Building on the heritage of Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank, Virgin Money has supported farming businesses across Scotland for generations. Agriculture is one of the Virgin Money’s most important sectors, with a dedicated team providing specialist financial advice tailored to its 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 them manage risk, invest in their businesses and plan for the future with confidence. Scottish farming continues to demonstrate real resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. These awards are an important opportunity to recognise the hard work, innovation and commitment across the sector.
“As headline sponsor, we are proud to support Scottish agriculture and to stand alongside the farmers and businesses who are shaping its future.”
AgriScot Chairman, Gilmore Lawrie is looking forward to an exciting 2026: “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.
“That’s precisely why organising and hosting these accolades really matters. The awards have grown into something genuinely meaningful for Scottish farming. What started as an ambition to consolidate recognition across the sector has become one of the most anticipated evenings in the agricultural calendar, and the quality of entries year-on-year has been remarkable. Judging is never easy.
“Whether you farm 50 acres or 5000, whether you’re a contractor who’s transformed how your clients operate, a diversification business that is going above and beyond for the community, or an enterprise where the environment is complementing your production – if you’re doing work you’re proud of, we want to hear from you.
“And if you know someone who fits that description and would never put themselves forward, then why not nominate them? There is no greater endorsement than someone else recognising what you do.
“This year carries an added significance for us at AgriScot. November 2026 marks our 25th anniversary – a quarter century of bringing the farming community together at Ingliston. We are enormously proud of that milestone.
“My fellow AgriScot directors and I are also delighted to welcome Virgin Money as the new headline sponsor of the awards. These awards are about spotlighting the incredible people who ensure Scottish agriculture continues to thrive, but in order to do that, we need your help.
Vice president of NFU Scotland, Robert Neill said: “The continued growth of the Scottish Agriculture Awards is testament to the strength, resilience and innovation that defines our industry.
“These awards have quickly become a key moment in the farming calendar, bringing people together to recognise excellence right across Scottish agriculture.
“At a time when our farmers and crofters are navigating significant challenges, it is more important than ever that we take the opportunity to celebrate success.
“These awards not only showcase the very best of what Scottish agriculture has to offer today, but also shine a light on the people and businesses who are shaping its future.
“But just as importantly, they remind us of the power of coming together as an industry.
“We would encourage businesses from across the sector not only to put themselves forward for these awards, but to consider being part of that collective voice. The more members we have, the stronger we are in making the case for Scottish farming. Every entry, and every member, helps shape a confident, sustainable future for our industry, and we look forward to celebrating those achievements later in the year.”
