Durris farmer, Pete Watson, is to be presented one of Scotland’s prestigious annual awards.

Mr Watson and his family-run beef and arable farm is a former winner of the Scottish Beef Farm of the Year and Pete is a former chairman of the ANM Group.

He is also a well-respected judge of cattle at local and national shows, including two of the major beef championships at this year’s Royal Highland Show

In November, he will be presented the Royal Northern Agricultural Association (RNAS) Shield for services by a public figure or personality to agriculture.

This year’s Aberdeen and Northern Marts ‘Local Award’ winner is George Duncan who, until his retirement last year, spent numerous years serving the farming sector with his business George Duncan Agri Solutions.

A former RNAS director, George began his career as a tractorman on the Crathes Estate and, fascinated by agronomy, set his sights on a career which eventually saw him set up his own business in 2002.

The David Argo Award for an ‘Unsung Hero’ working within the agricultural sector who merits recognition has been won by haulier, Albert Fyfe from Laurencekirk.

Since the company was founded by Albert’s parents in 1956, it has built up a reputation for excellent customer service. It is now run by Albert and his wife and specialises in bulk feed deliveries throughout the North east.

The SRUC award for someone 35 years and under who has shown significant achievement and contribution in agriculture has been won by Nicola Wordie from Huntly.

Among her achievements, the award recognises Nicola’s high level of stockmanship and her commitment to the promotion of the industry, including via her large social media following, brand collaborations and participation in schemes such as the BBC Food and Farming Awards where she reached the finals of the BBC Countryfile Young Countryside Champion in 2021.

The RNAS awards also have a long-standing reputation for recognising the emerging generation with a clutch of accolades for students.

This year’s recipient of the Johnston Carmichael-sponsored award for a farmers’ son or daughter working at home goes to Lucy Gordon from Strathdon whilst the award for a student employed off farm goes to Bethany Cameron from Drumlithie.

Meanwhile, the agricultural apprentice engineer award – sponsored by Turriff Agri Parts – has been won by Sellars employee, Angus Riddoch from Oldmeldrum.

Commenting on this year’s winners, RNAS president Cameron MacIver said:

“It is never an easy task for the judging panel to choose winners from the high standard of nominations we receive, but we feel that this year’s selection provides a good snapshot of some of the excellent work taking place in our sector.

“As an organisation committed to showcasing the very best of agriculture and farming practice, these awards are central to reminding us of the breadth and depth of talent which exists in this part of the world. The RNAS extends its warmest congratulations to every recipient.”

Tickets for the 2024 RNAS awards lunch at the Leonardo’s Hotel, Aberdeen Airport on Friday, November 1, will go on sale on October 1, and can be purchased via https://tickets.rnas.org.uk/events