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Real-world understanding secures Rachel a place in Scottish business skills awards final

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A keen real-world understanding of business has secured a SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ student a place in this year’s finals of the prestigious AgriScot Business Skills Award.

BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Farm Business Management fourth year Rachel Baillie, from South Lanarkshire, is one of three finalists chosen from a record number of applicants across Scotland after her success in the regional heats.

Now in its 15th year, the AgriScot Business Skills Award recognises outstanding agricultural professionals between 18 and 25 years old.

Sponsored by Virgin Money and organised by SRUC, the competition offers participants the chance to win £1000 alongside access to career and financial mentoring and networks.

Rachel impressed the judges with her responses to this year’s theme: How should farm businesses adapt to take advantage of future opportunities?

She said: “I’m very excited to have been selected for the final of this competition. Having never competed in anything like this before I was slightly apprehensive going in, but I’m so glad I entered. I feel I've already got so much out of it, from valuable feedback from the heats as well as ongoing mentoring from Virgin Money.”

After completing her placement year with SAC Consulting, Rachel – whose family own a livestock farm - is committed to a career in agricultural consultancy. She hopes the experience she gained during her year in industry will prove advantageous in the award process.

Business Management

She added: “Coming from a farming background, I chose to study Agriculture with Farm Business Management as it would not only enhance my technical farming knowledge but also help develop key business management skills I will use beyond University.

“I’ve found it enjoyable and engaging. The content links closely to practical farming situations, from in-depth written farm scenarios or going out to case study farms. This has aided me in applying my knowledge from the course to real on-farm situations. 

“I was also drawn to the integrated placement year offered here at Harper. I felt being able to gain experience working in industry alongside my studies would be a great way to help streamline my future career.”

All three finalists have been praised by judges, who have said the calibre of 2025 candidates ‘genuinely exceeded all expectations.’

Next Generation skills

Stephen Buchan of Virgin Money, one of the members of the judging panel, said: "For us, this competition is about giving young people a platform to express their ideas, build confidence, and prepare for leadership roles in the industry - and it’s clear that the future of agriculture is in very capable hands.

“This initiative plays a vital role in encouraging young people entering the agricultural industry to develop essential business and financial skills - challenging them in areas that are often overlooked, but critically important.

“As a bank, we’re committed to supporting the next generation, and part of that is providing mentorship for the finalists, helping them grow in confidence and capability.”

Competition coordinator and former Business Skills Award winner, Heather Kerr, explained what set the finalists apart: "We’re looking for candidates who not only have a broad understanding of running a farming enterprise, but who also demonstrate a strong grasp of the economics behind production and can apply that financial knowledge to real-world business management.”

“Beyond the prize money, the real value lies in the networking - from meeting farmers and bank representatives early on, to engaging with a wide range of industry professionals at the final.

“This year we’ve had a record number of entries - the highest in the competition’s history - and we’re excited to keep building on that momentum to ensure even more students and professionals can benefit from being involved."

Rachel will find out if she has won the Business Skills Award at the final which taks place at AgriScot on Wednesday November 19.

She added: “I’ve really enjoyed my time studying at Harper. I’ve met lots of different people, many of whom I will keep in contact with long after graduation.”