A DUMFRIESSHIRE farmer was one of the winners of the 2025 RBST Scotland Food and Farming Sustainability Awards.
Low Auldgirth Steading, run by Ruth Ashton-Shaw, was named Sustainable Small Farm of the Year.
Rooted in regenerative principles, Low Auldgirth uses native breed sheep, cattle, pigs and chickens as ecosystem engineers to restore soils, build biodiversity, and produce exceptional food with minimal inputs. The farm sells meat directly to customers and through local CICs, and produces raw fleeces promoting wool as a sustainable fibre. The judges felt that Low Auldgirth shows that small farms can be productive, profitable, and powerful agents of environmental change.
Ruth attended the Royal Highland Show for a prize presentation last Thursday.
She said: “I’m honoured that our work at Low Auldgirth has been recognised with this award, and proud to stand alongside such inspiring voices in sustainable farming.
“Native breeds are not just echoes of the past, they’re at the heart of a regenerative future, helping us heal the land, nourish our communities, and run thriving, resilient farms.”
The contest was organised by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, a national charity that promotes the UK’s rare native livestock and equine breeds.
And the judging panel was led by trust chair Rebecca McLellan, who lives in Dumfries and Galloway.
She said: “The standard of entries was incredibly high and it was a real pleasure to hear about the fantastic projects, businesses and individuals championing native breeds.”
