AgriScot’s Business Skills Award opens for applications, backing agriculture’s future talent

A competition for aspiring agricultural professionals between 18 and 25 years of age from across the UK, this year’s topic is ‘What should be the top priority for Scottish agriculture over the next 25 years, and how can the industry achieve it?’

Designed to identify and develop the next generation of agricultural business leaders, the competition is run in partnership with SRUC, and in addition to a financial reward, offers the chance for participates to grow their own skills, knowledge and networks.

Supported by SRUC, and facilitated by Heather Kerr, the competition will challenge participants strategic thinking, understanding of the opportunities facing the agricultural sector, and problem-solving skills.

“It’s exciting for SRUC to be a part of the Business Skills Award again. Every year brings such impressive applications from passionate young people, and after 16 years it’s brilliant to see just how many former participants are now thriving in agricultural careers,” said Heather.

“This year’s theme is a real test of both long-term vision, planning, and business thinking - exactly the kind of skills this award has always been about.”

Entries open on Wednesday 2nd September and close at 4pm on Friday 2nd October 2026, with candidates asked to submit a CV and entry statement. Semi-finalists will then participate in the on-farm semi-final heats taking place on Saturday 17th October in New Deer and Sunday 18th October in Carstairs.

The six finalists, selected from the heats, will advance to compete at AgriScot’s 25th anniversary event on, Wednesday 18th November 2026 at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston. The winner will be presented with a cheque for £1,000, with two runners-up each receiving £250.

AgriScot Chairman Gilmour Lawrie said:

“The Business Skills Award represents everything that’s exciting about agriculture’s future, and it feels especially fitting to see it playing a part as we celebrate AgriScot’s 25th anniversary. Sixteen years on, it continues to challenge young people to think seriously about the future of the industry and practice the skills it needs as we look ahead to the next 25 years.”

2025 winner Rachel Baillie encourages anyone thinking about applying to go for it.

“I found the Business Skills competition to be an invaluable experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged my skillset in a way that made me think more critically. I was slightly hesitant about entering at first, as it was completely different from anything I'd done before, but I'm so glad I did - you gain something valuable from every stage, so no matter how you end up doing, you'll walk away having learnt something. My favourite part was the finalists' dinner the night before AgriScot, a rare chance to network in a relaxed setting and learn directly from people shaping the future of Scottish agriculture.”

Stephen Buchan, Head of Agriculture Scotland for Virgin Money, said:

“Strong business skills have never been more important within agriculture. Farming is an increasingly complex industry, and alongside practical and technical knowledge, the next generation needs the confidence to understand finances, think strategically, identify opportunities and make sound business decisions.

“At Virgin Money, we work with farming businesses across Scotland every day, so we see first-hand the difference that strong business management can make. That is why we are delighted to support the AgriScot Business Skills Award for a second year. This award gives young people the opportunity to challenge their thinking and build the confidence and networks that will help them throughout their careers.

“The future of Scottish agriculture will depend on talented and ambitious young people coming into the industry, and we want to encourage as many of them as possible to take part.”

To find out more about the 2026 Business Skills Award, go to www.agriscot.co.uk/business-skills-award