FERTILE LANDS around one of Scotland’s best known tourism landmarks are in the running for another major conservation honour.

Some 1700 hectares of Strathmore Estates, which have tourist magnet Glamis Castle at their heart, were yesterday named as one of five finalists in the running for this year’s NFU Scotland Biodiversity Award, sponsored by RSPB Scotland.

David Soutar, of the Strathmore Farming Company, has been commended by competition judges for the environmental protection measures he has instigated, including water and arable field margins and hedges, the integration of unharvested crops, wetlands and species rich grasslands.

Mr Soutar’s enthusiasm for raising environmental awareness and explaining to the public the measures being spearheaded from his base at Mains of Glamis have also impressed the competition judges.

“Farming is the main force that shapes Scotland’s wildlife habitats,” RSPB Scotland director Stuart Housden said.

“Farming that is done in sympathy with the needs of birds and biodiversity in mind is essential if we are to protect and enhance the countryside.

“The award is made to the farmer or crofter who takes that extra step... and the five finalists clearly illustrate the diversity and richness of Scottish wildlife and the key role that Scottish farmers and crofters can play in protecting and enhancing this to everyone’s benefit.”

Anna Davies of NFU Scotland added, “With agriculture being in the midst of great change at the moment, NFU Scotland feels it is essential to reward those individuals or companies who are making a positive and forward looking impact upon the industry.”

The overall winner of the competition will receive a £500 prize and a biodiversity farm audit.

Strathmore will be hoping to repeat its success of November last year, when the farming company was announced as the Scottish regional winner of the annual Silver Lapwing Awards, another leading conservation competition.

Also on the NFU Scotland shortlist is Brian Kaye, who manages the 1553-hectare Culfargie Estate at Balbeggie in Perthshire.

His work includes the development of ponds, red squirrel conservation and a programme of grey partridge habitat improvement, as well as constant development of hedges and field margins.

Future plans for the estate include further improvement of heather moorland and the introduction of bird monitoring.

Nominees from Keith, Arran and Wick complete the shortlist line-up.

Once the winner and runner-up have been selected, the official announcement will be made at the NFU Scotland annual meeting when Mr Housden will present them with their prizes.