An Isle of Mull marine conservation charity has secured a major boost after achieving a double success at the ScottishPower Foundation Awards 2025, strengthening its work protecting whales, dolphins and porpoises along Scotland’s west coast.
The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust won the top prize in the Innovation category and was named runner up in the Education Award, securing a combined £15,000 in funding to support its conservation, education and research programmes.
The awards recognise organisations delivering outstanding social and environmental impact, with the Mull based charity praised for its creativity, reach and long term contribution to marine conservation.
Judges awarded the Innovation prize to the Trust’s floating classroom, a pioneering project that delivers hands on marine science education to children living in remote coastal communities.
Based aboard the charity’s research vessel, Silurian, the floating classroom allows young people to experience marine science first hand through wildlife spotting, listening to porpoise clicks, learning about sailing, and connecting these experiences to wider themes of sustainability and ocean protection.
The project has been described as unique in the UK, offering an immersive learning environment that bridges education, conservation and community engagement.
Founded in 1982, the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust helped establish the UK’s first organised whale watching operation on the Isle of Mull, playing a key role in reshaping the west coast economy while fostering a new relationship between communities and marine wildlife.
Today, the charity’s education programmes engage more than 20,000 people each year, raising awareness of Scotland’s marine environment and encouraging individuals to take responsibility for safeguarding oceans for future generations.
The Trust was also recognised as runner up in the Education Award category for its work inspiring young people to consider green careers and understand how their actions can positively impact the natural world.
By showcasing the diversity of whale species found in Scottish waters and highlighting the pressures they face, the charity aims to encourage responsible and sustainable behaviours rooted in local knowledge.
The £15,000 in prize funding will be used flexibly across the organisation’s work, supporting outreach, education, training, events and the expansion of citizen science programmes.
It will also contribute to maintaining the research vessel and advancing scientific studies designed to improve understanding and protection of marine wildlife.
Sadie Gorvett, Education and Sightings Officer at the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, said:
“This recognition is so important to us as it celebrates our floating classroom and the communities that make it possible by sparking passion and interest in the local environment and encouraging conversations about the actions we can all take to help protect it.
“With no comparable project in the country it has become a unique and highly sought after experience.
“With this additional support from the ScottishPower Foundation we’ll inspire young ocean ambassadors and expand education and research to protect Scotland’s west coast marine wildlife together.”
Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said:
“At the ScottishPower Foundation, we believe in the power of people to change lives and this year’s award winners have done just that.
“Their passion, resilience and creativity are nothing short of inspiring.
“Every winner is a true champion, tackling vital challenges, and we’re incredibly proud to support changemakers who are lighting up communities and building a brighter future for all.”
The double award places the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust among Scotland’s leading environmental organisations, highlighting how community rooted innovation continues to shape the future of marine conservation.
