The Banffshire branch secretary of NFU Scotland has been commended for outstanding services to the union.
Elaine Robertson, who has worked at the union since 1987, was awarded the Miskelly Award at the union’s AGM in St Andrews last week.
The award, which was established following the death of regional manager John Miskelly in 2006, was presented to Ms Robertson by outgoing president Nigel Miller.
Ms Robertson started working at the union’s Keith office after leaving school. She then took on the role of agent five years later, and was presented with a long-service award for 20 years with the union in 2012.
Glenlivet farmer Jo Durno, a friend of Ms Robertson’s and previous recipient of the award, said: “Elaine’s skill for the job was obvious when she started. Following her appointment as an agent she was seconded to work for the Moray and Nairn office, at the same time, fulfilling both roles. As well as making a lot of good friends in that region, she left a lasting impression.”
She praised Ms Robertson’s organisational skills and for “dedicating her time and energy to going above and beyond what is expected in her role”.
“One of the more recent projects Elaine has been involved with was the Banffshire Centenary Blend Whisky for NFU Scotland’s centenary in 2013/14,” said Ms Durno.
“As well as being on the organising committee for this, Elaine, along with others, gave up her time to go round the distilleries to collect the samples and promoting the whisky, helping to raise more than £21,000 for the trust. Elaine is dedicated 100% to her work, and in anything she gets involved with. She is totally committed to anything she takes on – nothing is half-hearted.”
Scottish Farming Minister Richard Lochhead said: “I’ve known Elaine for a number of years now and I’ve seen first-hand how hard she works, always going above and beyond, and I’m really pleased to see her efforts recognised by the NFU Scotland.”