Farmers, crofters and members of the wider agriculture industry gathered to pay tribute to long-standing livestock canvasser Michael Delday.
Mr Delday, who retired after more than 44 years working at Aberdeen and Northern Marts at the end of last year, was honoured at a special retiral evening at the Ayre Hotel in Kirkwall, Orkney.
Colleagues, friends and customers gathered to honour Mr Delday, who worked as a canvasser for the Orkney and outer islands on behalf of the mart.
He was given a bespoke clock, a painting and a cheque for a substantial amount of money in recognition of his hard work and commitment to the agricultural industry.
Mr Delday started working at ANM as an office boy in 1972 at the Belmont Mart in Aberdeen. He then progressed to working as a clerk for auctioneers at branch marts in Ellon and Maud.
In 1982 he started travelling to Orkney and Shetland to canvas stock and in 1995 he relocated to Orkney, making the islands his home.
ANM executive director, John Gregor, said: “As Scotland’s largest and most active farmer-owned co-operative, we are delighted that Michael’s service has been recognised by the farming community in the Orkney isles and are proud of his achievements.
“Over the 21 years spent in Orkney, he has built strong links between Thainstone, Orkney and Shetland, and increased our membership and customer base in the area. We are grateful for his service and wish him well in the future.
“We are also pleased that Robbie Stanger – a prominent figure in the Orkney agricultural industry – has joined the ANM team and look forward to working with him to maintain and grow strong links with Orkney and the outer isles.”
