A young farmer from the north has been crowned winner of this year’s NFU Mutual and Scotland Food & Drink Inspirational Young Person Award.
The accolade, in its second year, recognises those between the ages of 16 and 26 who are helping the food and drink industry innovate and thrive.
This year’s winner is Angus Forbes, better known as Gus, of Forbes Farm Fresh based at Little Kildrummie Farm, near Nairn.
Judges were impressed with Gus, who over the last 10 years has turned a small-scale meat business into a business renowned for selling quality, locally-produced beef, pork and lamb.
He has also been instrumental in developing a successful outside catering business, specialising in hog roasts, for weddings, birthdays and community events.
“Thank you to NFU Mutual along with Scotland Food & Drink for this award,” said Mr Forbes.
“As much as I would like to take all the credit, the business wouldn’t be in the position it is today without the help of all the Forbes clan. We’re quite literally the definition of a family-run business.
“I may be at the forefront but my family, especially my mother and father, put in an endless amount of hours.”
He said the family prides itself on providing customers with the knowledge that what they are buying has complete traceability and is produced with the highest standards of welfare.
“It’s not every day that the farmer who feeds the livestock also delivers the final product to your door,” added Mr Forbes.
NFU Mutual’s regional manager for Scotland, Martin Malone, praised Mr Forbes for his “tremendous work ethic and business savvy”.
He added: “Taking a business and generating a diverse offering with high levels of promotion and customer service really stood out for the judges and set him apart as the 2019 winner.”
Scotland Food & Drink chief executive James Withers said: “Livestock production in Scotland is a tough business but Gus has clearly seen the potential to embrace quality and drive a direct connection between the farm and customers.
“Not only does that help secure a future for his own business but it helps Scotland’s ongoing effort to strengthen our food and drink brand.”
The runner-up award went to Claire Strathern who runs the 10,000-bird Egglicious Eggs business near Stirling.
Two highly commended recognition prizes were awarded to Emma Harrison of the Biscuit Barn in South Lanarkshire, and Chloe Crighton of Duncan’s of Deeside.
