Boswell Book Festival shortlisted for award
The festival steps into the spotlight as it joins the shortlist for the Helping It Happen Awards 2025 as one of Scotland’s rural champions
Organised by Scottish Land & Estates and sponsored by NatureScot, the awards recognise the people and projects driving positive change in rural Scotland. With 11 diverse categories – spanning education, conservation, farming, tourism, and rural enterprise – the awards celebrate the remarkable work that underpins the vibrancy and resilience of the countryside.
This year’s finalists represent the very best of rural innovation and community commitment. From pioneering climate-friendly land management to projects enhancing local economies and opportunities, each nominee showcases how Scotland’s rural areas continue to adapt, thrive, and inspire.
The winners will be announced at a celebratory event later this autumn, bringing together rural leaders, businesses, and community representatives from across the country.

About the Boswell Book Festival
The world’s only festival of biography and memoir, normally set in the spectacular grounds of Dumfries House, draws an enthusiastic audience attracted by its unique theme.
Inspired by the great Ayrshire biographer James Boswell of Auchinleck, at the heart of the Festival is a programme of stories taken from the inspirational lives of people past and present - told through talks, drama, art and music.
Children's Festival
Why is it so important to children to tell our stories?
Stories connect the past and present to the future and learning these stories is what can awaken future generations to their potential.
Through the Festival, the Boswell Trust engages with primary and secondary schools across Ayrshire and beyond.