The Royal Northern Agricultural Society (RNAS) held a special awards lunch yesterday to honour seven shining stars of the farming community in the north of Scotland.
Every year the society presents a number of awards to recognise the efforts of members of the farming community.
The Press and Journal Award, which recognises a public figure or personality for their services to agriculture, was presented to former ANM Group chief executive and chairman Pat Machray.
Mr Machray, who is chairman of food, drink and agriculture at Opportunity North East, is a chartered accountant and former chief executive of Johnston Carmichael.
The local award, sponsored by Aberdeen and Northern Marts, went to Moray farmer David Brown of Burnside of Dipple Farm, Fochabers.
The award, which recognises someone for their services to local communities, specialist farming organisations or groups, was given to Mr Brown in recognition of his involvement with farming organisations and the local community.
The David Argo Award, which is presented to an unsung hero employed in the agricultural sector, was awarded to NFU Scotland regional manager Lorna Paterson. Ms Paterson has worked for the union for 10 years, helping farmers in the north-east and organising a range of union activities.
The Under-35 Award, sponsored by SRUC, went to young farmer and fencing contractor Duncan Morrison.
The award was given to Mr Morrison in recognition of his hard work to establish his own farming enterprise and involvement with Young Farmers.
The student awards, sponsored by Clydesdale Bank, were presented to Shona Marshall of Concraig Farmhouse, Kingswells, and Laura Milne of Bellmans Croft, Lonmay.
The agricultural apprentice award, sponsored by Turriff Agri Parts, went to Fergus Forbes, of Little Kildrummie, Nairn.
