AN ABERDEENSHIRE estate has been recognised for its commitment to business and community at an awards ceremony in Edinburgh during its 700th anniversary year.
Leys Estate was a finalist in two categories in this year’s Scottish Land & Estates Helping It Happen Awards which took place on Thursday, 5th October at The Sheraton Grand Hotel.
Attended by more than 250 people representing businesses, community partnerships, estates and individuals from across rural Scotland, Leys Estate triumphed in the Rural Business Award category and was a finalist in the Education Award at the ceremony.
The Rural Business Award recognises the positive impact Leys Estate has made in the local community, supporting a large number of new enterprises as well as providing valuable opportunities for existing businesses to grow each year.
The estate also directly employs 38 people, 60% of which reside in the immediate community, and provides vital community spaces for athletics, rugby, football and golf as well as supporting charitable organisations and the arts and culture.
Leys Estate was also a finalist in the Education Award which recognises the organisation’s commitment to engaging with primary and secondary schools within the Crathes and Banchory area as well as a wide range of community groups and organisations.
David Smart, Leys Estate Group CEO, said: “To be finalists in two awards is testament to our long-standing commitment to the communities of Crathes and Banchory and to the hard work and dedication of our teams on the estate. This is particularly poignant as we continue to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the Burnett family residing in Deeside.
“On a yearly basis, Leys Estate supports local businesses, enterprises and community groups through the provision of over 130 commercial leases, 65 residential tenanted properties and 16 agricultural tenancies in addition to managing 8,000 acres of countryside which provides recreation and natural space for the community to use.
“We are proud to have been recognised by Scottish Land & Estates and would like to thank the organisers and sponsors for the opportunity to showcase our work and commitment.”
2023 marks the 700th anniversary of the Burnett of Leys family residing in the Crathes and Banchory area and has included a number of events involving the local community, past and present employees and the Burnett Gathering, which welcomed 200 Clan Burnett members from across the world to Crathes for a week of activities.
Now in its seventh year, the Helping It Happen Awards have become firmly established in recognising the role of estates, rural businesses and community groups who are helping rural Scotland thrive. The awards are organised by rural business organisation, Scottish Land & Estates, and sponsored by NatureScot.
To find out more about the other awards finalists visit https://www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/news/vital-contribution-scotlands-rural-businesses-recognised-helping-it-happen-awards-2023
For more information visit www.leysestate.com
