The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Society dishes out coveted awards
The Royal Northern Agricultural Society (RNAS) has unveiled the winners of its prestigious annual awards.
A number of awards are presented by the society every year to recognise members of the farming community in the area.
The recipients of the awards will receive their awards at a special celebration lunch on Friday, October 27, at the Jury’s Inn at Aberdeen Airport.
The winner of this year’s Press and Journal Award, which recognises a public figure or personality for their services to agriculture, goes to the former ANM Group chief executive and chairman Pat Machray.
Mr Machray, who is chairman of food, drink and agriculture at Opportunity North East, is a chartered accountant and former chief executive of Johnston Carmichael.
Next up the local award, which is sponsored by Aberdeen and Northern Marts, goes to Moray farmer David Brown of Burnside of Dipple Farm, Fochabers.
The award, which recognises someone for their services to local communities, specialist farming organisations or groups, goes to Mr Brown in recognition of his involvement with farming organisations and the local community.
Meanwhile the David Argo Award, which is presented to an unsung hero employed in the agricultural sector, will be given to NFU Scotland regional manager Lorna Paterson.
Ms Paterson has worked for the union for 10 years, helping farmers in the north-east and organising a range of union activities.
The Under 35 Award, sponsored by SRUC, will be awarded to young farmer and fencing contractor Duncan Morrison.
The award, which is given to a person in that age group who has demonstrated significant achievement and contribution to agriculture, goes to Mr Morrison in recognition of his hard work to establish his own farming enterprise and involvement with Young Farmers.
Lastly, three awards will be presented to upcoming figures in the sector.
The student award for a farmer’s son or daughter working at home will be presented to Shona Marshall of Concraig Farmhouse, Kingswells.
The award for a student employed outwith the home will go to Laura Milne of Bellmans Croft, Lonmay, while the award for an agricultural apprentice goes to Fergus Forbes, of Little Kildrummie, Nairn, who is working at Alistair Young Engineering.
Tickets for the awards lunch on Friday, October 27, cost £25 and are available from RNAS secretary Alison Argo by calling 07714 899628.