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 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.”