Hundreds of members of the farming community gathered in Aberdeen yesterday for the Royal Northern Agricultural Society (RNAS) awards lunch.
The prestigious event is held every year to recognise and celebrate the achievements of members of the farming community in the area.
Winning the Press and Journal Award, which recognises a public figure or personality for their services to agriculture, was well-known north-east contractor and farmer Dave Carnegie.
Mr Carnegie, who runs D.M. Carnegie with his family from its base at Steelstrath, near Laurencekirk, not only runs a successful business employing more than 40 staff but is also a renowned plougher who took Scotland’s first world champion title in the sport in the 1990s and most recently the Scottish overall champion last month.
The local award, which is sponsored by north-east farmers’ co-operative Aberdeen and Northern Marts, was presented to RNAS secretary Alison Argo who helps run the family farm with husband Ian and son Steven at Auchcairnie, Laurencekirk.
The award, which recognises someone for their services to local communities, specialist farming organisations or groups, was given to Mrs Argo in recognition of her involvement with organisations such as RNAS, SAYFC, the Scottish Womens’ Rural Institute, Fettercairn Farmers’ Club, Fettercairn Brownies and her local church.
Meanwhile, the David Argo Award, which is presented to an unsung hero employed in the agricultural sector, was given to Feedmix stalwart George McCombie.
Mr McCombie recently retired from the role of managing director at the mobile animal feed mixing company and he oversaw its growth from operating five to 50 machines.
The Under 35 Award, sponsored by SRUC, was presented to Royal Northern Countryside Initiative (RNCI) project manager Rachel Turner.
The award, which is given to a person in that age group who has demonstrated significant achievement and contribution to agriculture, was presented to Mrs Turner in recognition of her work at the rural education charity which operates across Moray, Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire.
Meanwhile, four young rising stars in the sector were also recognised at yesterday’s awards lunch.
First up were the student awards, sponsored by Clydesdale Bank.
The award for a farmer’s son or daughter working at home was presented jointly to Daniel Skinner, of Faerview, Duncanstone, Insch, and Scott Taylor, of Upper Braiklay, Methlick. The award for a student employed outwith the home went to Ashleigh Stephen, of Logie, Gamrie, Banff.
Meanwhile, the Turriff Agri Parts-sponsored award for an agricultural apprentice went to was presented to David Clark, of Insch, who is currently working at Sellars Agriculture.
All four youngsters will travel to agricultural shows in Paris next year as their award prize.
A number of presentations were also made at yesterday’s awards lunch following the society’s Countryside Live event earlier this year.
Event host Malcolm Allan, of Uppermill Farm, Kintore, was given a painting of him being driven in a horse-drawn cart at the event.
George Skinner, who drove the cart with one of his Clydesdale horses, was given a print of the painting.
Three charities were also given cheques for £8,000 each from funds raised at the event.
The charities were: RSABI, Charlie House in Aberdeen, and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance.
