Last week marked the successful return of the Scottish Agriculture Awards in Glasgow where the room was buzzing with excited finalists and professionals from every corner of the industry.
In partnership with The Scottish Farmer, Agriscot and RHASS, the Agri Awards seeks to celebrate some of the best working in Scottish farming.
The night saw 16 winners take to the stage from advisers, contractors, suppliers and traditional livestock and arable farmers.
READ MORE | Scottish agri stars shine in Glasgow celebration night
Reflecting on the evening AgriScot chair, Robert Neill said: “The Scottish Agriculture Awards once again highlighted the resilience, innovation, and dedication that define Scottish agriculture on the world stage. The evening was a testament to the strength and adaptability of our farmers, and it was a privilege to celebrate the exceptional talent in the room. Congratulations to all the winners – your achievements are a powerful reflection of the energy, progress, and ambition driving our industry forward. Our sincere thanks go to our partners, RHASS and The Scottish Farmer, along with our sponsors and judges, for making the event possible. Now, we look forward to continuing the celebrations at AgriScot on November 13.”
RHASS chairman, James Logan also highlighted the success of the night:
“It was an honour to attend this year’s awards as chair of RHASS and to meet the inspiring nominees and winners who are paving the way for innovative and collaborative practices across a variety of roles in our industry. The awards offer an unrivalled platform to celebrate the hard work, dedication and passion that goes into supporting the future of Scotland’s agricultural community every day and we offer a huge congratulations to our industry leaders who were both recognised and took accolades home.”
READ MORE | A night to remember celebrating Scottish farming
Lifetime Achievement
Eddie Gillanders was honoured with the accolade this year, with Ken highlighting the dedication and success of Eddie’s career in agricultural journalism reminding the attendees of the many achievements of this ‘stalwart of Scottish agri-journalism’.
Retiring at this year’s Royal Highland Show, Eddie is the former editor of Farming North East magazine as well as agricultural editor of the Press and Journal.
Eddie sent a video response in his absence remarking:
“I hope you are all having a good evening and I am sorry I can’t be with you in what is turning out to be somewhat of an auspicious occasion. Thank you Ken for your kind remarks which I greatly appreciate and for honouring me with this unexpected but much appreciated award.
“Recognition by your peers is always a great honour and the friendships made with fellow hacks has always been one of the great joys of my career in agricultural journalism. Thank you all for your support throughout the years and wishing you all my best for an enjoyable evening.”
Champion of Champions and Contractor of the Year
“I really wasn’t expecting it, it’s all pretty surreal to be absolutely honest. We are all massively proud of what we have achieved and we’ve already been celebrating the massive pat on the back from the Contractor of the Year award.
“These awards act as great recognition for a small team that puts in a lot of hard work year-round. It has all been a whirlwind but the award definitely tops everything off.”
W Murray Farming are farmers, haulage and agricultural contractors based in Kelso.
They specialise in the supply and spreading of differing high value organic manures and lime. Working with farmers and landowners to help improve their soil and in turn increase yield potential and reduce their reliance on artificial fertilisers.
“Being part of the Awards was a great opportunity for us to help celebrate the fantastic work of so many across the sector.
“It’s a sector we’ve worked closely with for 20 plus years now – none more so than our project landowners who are at the heart of what we do.
“Congratulations to all winners and in particular to W Murray Farming Ltd, who I had the pleasure of presenting the Champion of Champions award to. Their approach to working with clients as partners in their success and in building strong relationships between farmers, landowners and the land itself is a sentiment we share.”
– Gillian Noble, onshore origination and development managing director, ScottishPower Renewables
Adviser of the Year
For Craig, the award means ‘absolutely everything’.
He added: “I am so thankful for my clients who put me forward and my colleagues for supporting me through this process. This was very much a team nomination and I think it was my colleague Freya that was most excited when my name was announced.”
Animal Health Provider of the Year
Speaking to The SF team post win, members of Thrums Vets, Jennifer Jones and Andrew Littlejohn expressed their delight.
“We couldn’t be happier with this award we really were not expecting it amongst the high calibre of the other finalists Graeme Parker and Te Pari products. This was very much a team nomination and goes to show the hard work everyone puts in.”
Thrums Vet Group is an independent mixed practice serving farming clients for more than 75 years across Angus and Perthshire.
Their Flock Health Club and regular farming meetings foster community and education amongst all their usual services both in and out of hours.
They have also put in place a number of measures in recent years to try and ensure that there continues to be a steady stream of young people coming into the profession. This includes their Vet School Preparation programme for young people interested in applying to vet school and their Foundations of Mixed Practice programme for newly qualified vets which aims to smooth the transition from veterinary student to clinical vets.
Best Agroforestry Award
David spoke about receiving the award as an ‘amazing achievement’.
He continued: “We only started out in agroforestry a couple of years ago so we are blown away to be recognised. Ultimately we are doing something quite a bit different compared to some. As someone who has grown up in farming, to be accepted by that community when we are doing something weird like this means an awful lot.”
Machinery Dealer of the Year
“To win this award is such a great achievement for everyone involved. We always strive to our best whether it’s in sales, parts or engineering work. It is ultimately a team effort and we are based in an area that has a very competitive market for this kind of business so we always try our best to stand out.” Garry said.
The brothers have always found a way to work with each other and admitted winning the award was a team effort.
Garry continued: “We’ve have been working up the ranks for 10 years now with AB Wight. My brother and I have always worked together so it was inevitable to partner up in this business. We work well as we both have different strengths that compliment each other so it suits us best to be a team.”
Founded in 2014, AB Wight Engineering is a dealership based in St Boswells, offering a showroom, large parts department, service workshop and engineering workshop. The team is led by brothers Andrew and Garry and are dedicated to supporting local farmers.
Supplier of the Year
A fourth-generation business specialising in steel fabrication for the agricultural and industrial industries, Thornburn is dedicated to promoting sustainability and efficiency with their products.
They have undergone a huge amount of innovation in the last three years to ensure that they can provide the quality needed for their customers. This has included investing in state-of-the-art machinery and purpose built premises.
Accepting the accolade were Euan and Alistair Thornburn from the company who described their win:
“This award is great for us as a business and for our team of staff. We absolutely wouldn’t be anywhere without our employees so an excellent win for them and for the company as a whole. We look forward to seeing what we can achieve in the future.
“Obviously the category was full of such strong competition from both East of Scotland Farmers and Fasque Timber Products. We really did not expect to come home with the win but it shows we are on the right path and we should continue doing what we do.”
Farming’s Future Award
After taking over the tenancy of his grandparents’ farm at the age of 16, James now runs a successful mixed farming operation. Specialising in suckler cows, Cheviot Mules and Texel sheep, he has a few other awards under his belt including Young Farmer of the Year.
Speaking after his win, James was just grateful to even be nominated.
“To be put forward in the first place has been amazing and winning just rounds it all off. I honestly just need to thank all the people who supported me through it all such as my family, especially my parents, friends, SAYFC.
All the people who gave me opportunities to grow and develop to help me to get to where I am today. I hope my story can show other young people within the industry that they can do it too.”
“Attending the Scottish Agriculture Awards was a truly brilliant evening, showcasing the resilience and innovation within our farming community.
“NFU Scotland is proud to have sponsored the Farming’s Future Award and supported Thorntons sponsorship of the Mixed Farm of the Year Award.
“We send our congratulations to all of the event’s winners and nominees. Each of you have shown extraordinary dedication to your work and set example of the potential we have in Scotland’s farming industry.”
– NFU Scotland CEO, John Davidson.
Arable Farm of the Year
Farm manager John Wilson picked up the award for the team describing the result as ‘extremely pleasing’.
“I know the other two competitors well and they are very able arable finalists,” he admitted.
“It is very nice to be picked from everyone else shortlisted and we will be celebrating.”
Over Rankeilour is a 560ha farm focused on sustainability and biodiversity. They grow a variety of crops including wheat, oats, barley, flax, potatoes and broccoli, with marketing through local cooperatives and contracts.
The farm is also committed to renewable energy utilising wind turbines, solar systems, and biomass boilers.
Owned by the Crombie family who live on the estate, the team of staff consists of manager John with three full-time tractormen, a part-time farm secretary and a team of seasonal workers for broccoli planting and cutting.
“SoilEssentials had a fantastic time celebrating the champions of agriculture at the Scottish Agriculture Awards! It was an evening filled with excitement, anticipation, and enriching conversations.
“As dedicated sponsors of the Scottish Arable Farm of the Year, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the remarkable individuals and to the deserving recipients of this year’s awards.”
– Jim Wilson, managing director, SoilEssentials
Dairy Farm of the Year
A family-run business based in Stonehouse, Lanarkshire, the Baillie’s run 250 pedigree Holstein cows averaging 11,100 litres per cow annually. The farm focuses on breeding for longevity and herd health, and have reduced antibiotic use through selective dry cow therapy.
The family is made up of husband and wife Jimmie and Isabel with their two sons James and Gavin.
Gavin spoke about the win saying: “It’s beyond belief, we are absolutely astounded considering the standard of the dairy farms in Scotland.
“We are a pretty hard working family that try to do the best we possibly can. This award is totally unexpected, this is a very proud moment for us as a family and we will certainly be celebrating.”
“Congratulations to JD Baillie and Sons, Crumhaugh Farm who won the Dairy Farm of the Year. It is a fantastic accolade for this hard-working family who showcased their high standard of dairy farming. “The farm, in the heart of South Lanarkshire, has a herd of 260 pedigree Holstein cows with a current herd average of 11,109 litres milked twice a day through a GEA Euroclass 800 herringbone parlour which we installed in August 2014.
“GEA Farm Technologies and Scottish distributor DairyFlow were delighted to sponsor the Scottish Agriculture Awards.”
– Scott Baird, sales manager, DairyFlow
Diversified Farm of the Year
Based from the family’s Boghead Farm, the farm shop was an developed as an extra income to the business starting out as a self-service trailer in the 1990s.
In 2010, the family opened their first purpose-built farm shop and café with the aim to cut out the middleman and promote their own produce whilst selling direct to the general public. In 2021, their new state-of-the-art farm shop with butcher counter and restaurant opened its doors. They have since expanded further with an in-house butchery and bakery, gift shop, drive-thru and play park.
The family consisting of Kenneth and Moira Marshall and their three daughters Christine, Julie and Shona are very much at the helm of the enterprise.
Speaking on the night Shona said: “We are very excited and shocked and delighted at winning tonight.
“This goes to show all the hard work we put into the business. The award means a lot to us but also it’s an achievement for the team at home. Without their hard work we wouldn’t be where we are today and this is a way to thank and give credit for all they do for us.”
“The SAC Consulting team was really excited by the innovation on display at this year’s Scottish Agriculture Awards – It was a fantastic evening celebrating some of Scotland’s most visionary farming businesses.
“As proud sponsors of the ‘Diversified Farm of the Year’ award, we congratulate Marshalls Farm Shop on their well-deserved win, recognising their outstanding achievements in diversification.
“The night was a great reflection of Scottish agriculture’s strength and resilience, showcasing the passion and dedication driving our industry forward. It was a privilege to stand alongside so many who are shaping a sustainable, successful future for Scottish farming.”
– Calum Johnston, SAC Consulting.
Mixed Farm of the Year
Speaking after their win, Bob said: “It feels fantastic to win, we certainly didn’t think we’d get this far.”
Robert continued: “We just put our hat into the ring to see what would happen but we did not expect to come back with this win. Everyone else in the category are so worthy of this, we would like to thank all the other nominees and the sponsors for putting on the awards and such a great night celebrating the industry.”
Preston Farm, operated by Robert Forrest Ltd spans 569ha of owned, tenanted and contract farmed land in Berwickshire. The farm focuses on a 380- cow suckler herd and growing arable crops such as winter wheat, barley, oats and beans.
The family emphasises efficiency and environmental stewardship, integrating livestock and arable practices to create a self-sufficient and sustainable mixed operation.
“Coming from a farming background, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate Robert Forrest Ltd on its well-deserved award for mixed farm of the year.
“A family-owned and operated cattle and arable business based at Preston farm, near Duns in Berwickshire, it is also leading the way in sustainable farming and has adopted solar PV to increase energy efficiency.”
– Kenneth Mackay, partner and head of land and rural business, Thorntons
Scotch Beef Farm of the Year
Based in Garmouth, Fochabers, the farm is well known for their pedigree Simmentals alongside a commercial herd of Simmental and Shorthorn cross cows. Spanning 5819 acres, the farm concentrates on genetics to produce top breeding animals that have sold to 32,000gns in the past.
Iain Green spoke on the family’s feelings post win: “This award is absolutely wonderful and totally unexpected. We genuinely thought we’d never stand a chance against anyone else. It really is a credit to everyone’s hard work back home.
“We will definitely be celebrating with a wee drink or two.”
“ABP is a leading agrifood business processing quality fresh and frozen beef, lamb and meat -free products to supermarkets ,restaurants and wholesalers nationwide. We put a strong emphasis on driving sustainable livestock production and healthy sustainable diets ,whilst continuing to ensure we offer innovation and value to our customers.”
– ABP
Sheep Farm of the Year
Managed by Stewart Shaw, Smailholm Mains is a 243ha tenanted farm near Kelso, home to 500 breeding ewes and 85 Limousin cross cows. The farm uses intensive summer grazing and rotational cropping integrating both sheep and arable production. It is is based on a low input, high output model, with emphasis on producing high quality finished lambs for the commercial market.
Speaking to The SF Stewart said he was ‘delighted with the win.’
“It is such an honour to take this award home with the high calibre of sheep farming in Scotland. Putting ourselves forward, we didn’t really expect much to come from it so to go home as the winners is genuinely a very nice surprise. We will be celebrating for some time to come.”
“Attending the Scottish Agriculture Awards was a truly memorable experience, blending tradition, innovation, and celebration of the remarkable talents within Scotland’s farming community.
“The evening was filled with lively conversation, hearty laughter, and the warmth of camaraderie, as people gathered to honour the dedication and hard work of those making an impact in agriculture.
“The event highlighted impressive achievements, from sustainable farming practices to advancements in the industry, showing the resilience and passion of the sector.
“The night concluded with a shared sense of pride, leaving everyone inspired by the accomplishments and future potential within Scottish agriculture.”
– Ross Sibbald, area business manager for Scotland, Rumenco
Sustainable Farm of the Year
After the win Gordon Whiteford said: “This award will be really good for our customers and will give us creditability that we can continue to build the business on.
“It was such a huge surprise to hear our name read out – we were not expecting it.
“My sister was probably the most excited when our name was read out but this will be such an exciting thing to take home to the family in Buckie.”
Lower Mill of Tynet Farm, based in Buckie, Morayshire, integrates renewable energy and sustainable farming practices across its mixed livestock and arable operations.
An organic farm mainly producing eggs and milk but also lamb and beef. Lower Mill has a 24-hour vending shop through which they retail their farm produce including flavoured milks and homemade ice cream as well as a variety of locally sourced seasonal produce.
The family is also dedicated to minimising the businesses ecological footprint utilising solar panels, biomass heating, and wind turbines to provide power. All the while using precision agriculture techniques to optimise crop yields and reduce environmental impact.
“The Scottish Agriculture Awards, in only its second year and has already established itself as one of the most important dates on the Scottish agricultural calendar.
“It provides an opportunity to reflect on the many successes within our industry, in spite of the challenges we have seen over the last 12 months, and provides the opportunity for farmers to get off farm and come together to celebrate each other’s success.
“We would like to congratulate both the winners and finalists in each of the categories, you are an inspiration to us all. Roll on 2025!”
– Stephen Buchan, head of agriculture, Scotland, Virgin Money
Unsung Hero of the Year
Sandy has dedicated almost 47 years working for the Strichen-based livestock company, a family business that was established in 1950. Transporting finished sheep and cattle to various abattoirs, Sandy’s work has taken him to all corners of Scotland. He retired earlier this year.
He described his win saying he was ‘completely overwhelmed.’
“I had absolutely no idea my name would be read out, it’s a complete surprise.
“I would like to thank Ross Bros, a company I worked for, for more than 40 years. I am completely honoured by this recognition, it really hasn’t sunk in yet.”
“Shearwell Data was delighted to sponsor the Unsung Hero category.
“Sandy Paul was a deserving winner, having worked for Ross Brothers for 46 years!
“We were delighted to enjoy the evening with our guests, and thanks to them for joining us. The evening was professionally run, with Cammy being a brilliant host. The food was excellent and all at the Shearwell table enjoyed the band. Overall, a great evening!”
– James Hiddleston, Shearwell Data.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here