NFU SCOTLAND'S Unsung Hero Award presentation is to take place at Huntly Auction Market on Friday, July 30.

The award is presented annually to a North East member in recognition of their achievements and hard work on behalf of fellow farmers.

It is typically presented at Turriff Show – however with the show being cancelled due to Covid for two years running, an alternative social evening has been planned for the awards celebration.

Previous recipients of the award include Alistair Smart; Bruce Walker; Sandy Tulloch; Jim Innes; Tom Johnston; Charlie Adam; Neil McCrae; Eddie Gillanders; Gerald Banks; Davie Smith; Kevin Gilbert; Bob Hay and Ian Pirie.

The early part of the evening will be hosted by NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy, with North East vice chair Bob Hay hosting a BBQ.

Burgers and sausages have been provided for the event by Woodhead Bros in Turriff; ice cream by Mackies of Rothienorman; raspberries and strawberries by David Stephen at Barra Berries, and refreshments will be sponsored by Malcolm Allan. There will also be a raffle and an auction, led by auctioneer Donald Young, with all the proceeds donated to RSABI.

On hosting the award evening, Mr Kennedy said: “I am delighted to have been invited by the North East team to participate in the presentation of this award to a very worthy recipient. This year’s recipient is a very deep thinker, well read, and has been at the forefront of many battles, doing a power of lobbying amongst fellow members and stakeholders to try to improve farming issues.

“They are never afraid to express opinion, share knowledge and add a lot of value to debates and discussions. I am looking forward to travelling up to Huntly to share banter and fine food and refreshments with fellow North East members and their families.”

Previous NFUS president Andrew McCornick will also be recognised at the event and receive his delayed 'thank you' gift on behalf of members, from the North East chair Alan Simpson.

Mr Simpson said: “Ordinarily, we would have presented this gift to Andrew at our Annual National AGM in February, but due to Covid, this was not possible. I very much look forward to catching up with Andrew again, as I am sure my fellow farmers do too.

“We hope you will all participate in this social gathering on Friday evening. Covid restrictions will be in place throughout, but this should not distract from a potentially brilliant and fun event."

The Unsung Hero Social Evening and BBQ will take place at Huntly Auction Market by permission of United Auctions on Friday July 30 from 6.30pm. All NFUS and Young Farmers Club Members and their families are invited to attend the event.