Hairy Highlander Becomes the First Corporate Member of Action to Protect Rural Scotland (APRS) - Scotland's Oldest Environmental Charity
Scotland's wild places are more than our inspiration. They're part of who we are.
We're incredibly proud to announce that Hairy Highlander has become the first ever corporate member of Action to Protect Rural Scotland (APRS), Scotland's oldest environmental charity, helping introduce a new way for Scottish businesses to support the protection of our countryside.
For us, this partnership is about something we've always believed in. Scotland's landscapes, wildlife and natural heritage are worth looking after, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.
Who Are Action to Protect Rural Scotland (APRS)?
Founded in 1926, APRS is Scotland's longest-established environmental charity, celebrating 100 years of protecting our countryside in 2026.
Their work stretches across Scotland, from ancient Highland landscapes and remote glens to the green spaces surrounding our towns and villages.
They work with communities, challenge inappropriate development, promote stronger environmental protections and help ensure local people have a voice in decisions affecting their countryside.
And their history is remarkable.
100 Years of Protecting Scotland's Countryside
One of APRS's greatest achievements was helping establish the National Trust for Scotland in 1931, an organisation that has since become one of the country's most important guardians of natural and historic places.
APRS was also instrumental in establishing the Scottish Council for National Parks in 1942 and has spent decades working towards better protection for Scotland's landscapes.
Their campaigning has contributed to improvements in woodland protection, planning legislation and the protection of Scotland's rivers.
More recently, APRS has helped communities challenge development proposals and protect threatened green spaces. During 2024 and 2025, their work contributed to five long-running local campaigns achieving successful outcomes.
Today, their work continues through campaigns for stronger planning protections, National Parks and greater environmental scrutiny of major infrastructure proposals, including hyperscale AI data centres.
For a relatively small charity, their contribution to Scotland's natural heritage has been considerable.
Why Hairy Highlander Supports APRS
We're a family-run business based in Northern Scotland, near the Cairngorms National Park.
Our lives revolve around the countryside. Exploring ancient forests, foraging for wild botanicals, discovering remote places and passing that knowledge on to our children.
It's where the inspiration behind Hairy Highlander comes from.
But enjoying these landscapes also means recognising how important it is to look after them.
We're not against technology, investment or progress, and we're not affiliated with any political party.
We're simply a Scottish business that loves our countryside.
We believe that when a landscape is given a legal, national promise of protection, that should mean something.
Supporting APRS is a natural extension of our values and our wider commitment to Scotland's natural heritage.
How You Can Support APRS
We're delighted to help APRS introduce corporate membership and would encourage other Scottish businesses who share these values to consider getting involved.
You don't need to own a business either. Individuals can support APRS through membership, donations and simply helping more people discover their work.
Visit Action to Protect Rural Scotland to learn more about the charity, its history and its current campaigns.
You can also explore our environmental commitments to discover the other organisations we're proud to support.
Scotland's countryside has given us so much. Supporting those who work to protect it is one small way we can give something back.
Josh & Kiy
Founders of Hairy Highlander
