A Scottish farming leader has dedicated his OBE to the hundreds of volunteers and staff who help stage the Royal Highland Show and countless other events each year.
Easter Ross-based Willie Gill, a former chairman and honorary secretary of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), said he was “humbled” by the honour.
Mr Gill stepped down this summer after serving in a series of prestigious posts at the society, which organises the nation’s largest agricultural show, the Royal Highland Show.
The 68-year-old also left the board of Highland Grain in the same month, and now works with his son David at Rosskeen Farm, near Invergordon, which has been in the family for 125 years.
“I was humbled. Obviously I appreciate the honour,” Mr Gill said of being made an OBE in the New Year Honours list.
“I was 13 years in the society, but I appreciate there are others that have done it a lot longer. I was fortunate to be elected as chairman.
“But it’s not about one person, it’s about all of the directors and the staff and the hundreds of volunteers that help with the show and the other events throughout the year.
“So I kind of feel like I’m accepting it on their behalf. I’ve been singled out, but I’m under no illusions that I’m one of many that makes the whole thing a success.”
Mr Gill became a director of the RHASS in 2004 and went on to serve as chairman and honorary secretary.
“I very quickly got to really enjoy it and I was fortunate to rise through the ranks,” he said.
“When you get onto the executive and actually learn about the whole aspect of the show, the society is much bigger than the show itself, because of all the other things that go on.
“There’s the Royal Highland Show, but there’s another 200-plus events at the showground every year, a wide range of events, music concerts. There is a lot going on, but it was fascinating to be part of.
“I think it was an honour. There have been chairmen from this region in the past, but I think it had been about 30 years before me.”
Mr Gill also spent 17 years on the board of Highland Machinery Ring which is now part of Highland Business Services.
