Seven members of the agricultural community have been recognised in this year’s Royal Northern Agricultural Society (RNAS) 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 accolades will receive their awards at a special celebration lunch on Friday November 1 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, is Aberdeenshire farmer and housebuilder Malcolm Allan.
Mr Allan farms at Uppermill Farm near Kintore, as well as running Malcolm Allan Housebuilders Limited.
He is renowned for the quality of stock he produces and his willingness to open up his farm to fellow farmers and members of the public.
The local award, which is sponsored by Aberdeen & Northern Marts, goes to George Mearns from Turriff Agri Parts Limited.
The award, which recognises someone for their services to local communities, specialist farming organisations or groups, goes to Mr Mearns in recognition of his support for the RNAS agricultural apprentice award, as well as his support for local shows, ploughing matches and fishing events.
Meanwhile the David Argo Award, which is presented to an unsung hero working in the agricultural sector who merits particular recognition, will be given to long-standing Banchory Show committee member Gordon Christie.
Mr Christie has been involved with the show for almost 50 years, having previously served as treasurer and president.
The Under 35 Award, sponsored by SRUC, will be awarded to agricultural researcher Dr Jenna Ross.
The award, which is given to a person in that age group who has demonstrated significant achievement and contribution to agriculture, goes to Dr Ross in recognition of her academic work into slug control and her efforts to supervise students in Africa.
Lastly, three awards will be presented to up and coming figures in the sector.
The student award for a farmer’s son or daughter working at home, sponsored by Clydesdale Bank, will be presented to Oliver Pirie, Castle of Auchry Farm, Turriff.
Mr Pirie, who is a committee member of both the Turriff Show and Turriff Young Farmers, is studying agriculture at SRUC Craibstone.
The award for a student employed outwith the home, also sponsored by Clydesdale Bank, will be given to Paul Duguid, of Gairn Terrace, Aberdeen.
A keen shepherd, Mr Duguid is currently working with Aberdeen-based Beltex breeder Stuart Wood, while growing his own sheep enterprise and studying agriculture at SRUC Craibstone.
Meanwhile, the award for an agricultural apprentice, sponsored by Turriff Agri Parts, will be presented to David Scott Rosin, Milton of Culsh, Tarland.
Mr Rosin works at Ravenhill Ltd in Dyce as a mechanic.
Tickets for the awards lunch on Friday November 1 are available from RNAS secretary Alison Argo by calling 07714 899628 or by sending an email to secretary@rnas.info
