Well-known journalist, author, farmer, politician and fund-raiser takes prestigious NFU Scotland/NFU Mutual award
NFU Scotland and NFU Mutual’s prestigious Ambassador Award has been presented to well-known journalist, author, farmer, politician and fund-raiser Andrew Arbuckle from Newburgh in Fife.
Established in 2009, the Ambassador Award was set up to recognise those individuals who, through their own efforts, have played an influential role in communicating the work, challenges and the value of Scottish food and farming to a wider audience.
Andrew was announced as the winner of the Ambassador trophy at NFU Scotland’s annual dinner, attended by more than 410 guests and delegates, and held in Glasgow (9 February). He received the award from NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy and NFU Mutual chair, and former NFU Scotland President Jim McLaren.
President Martin Kennedy said: “Over many decades, Andrew Arbuckle has made an exceptional and remarkable contribution to Scottish agriculture.
“He is a highly respected and award-winning journalist, best known for his insightful and fair reporting on food and farming over decades at The Scotsman and The Courier. He is remembered for his coverage of major crises such as Foot and Mouth and BSE and his thought-provoking commentaries and columns are still compulsive reading today.
He has been a politician, serving as both an MSP and a councillor representing Fife. And he has been a farmer as well, raising the profile of crops like potatoes, peas and soft fruit, where he embraced and supported co-operation.
“NFU Scotland first got to benefit from Andrew’s considerable skills and knowledge in the 1990’s when he took on local and national roles, chairing his local Fife and Kinross area and serving on our Legal committee for seven years. And he went on to author NFU Scotland’s Centenary book in 2013.
“He has had an outstanding career dedicated to supporting and promoting an industry that he clearly loves and we are delighted to recognise that service with this award.”
Andrew has also been an outstanding fundraiser on behalf of Scotland’s rural charity, RSABI, where he currently serves as a trustee and has the role of Honorary Vice-President for his exceptional contribution.
RSABI CEO Carol McLaren said: “Andrew has raised more than £100,000 through the sale of three light-hearted books he compiled, with help from his late brother, John, to support the work of the charity to provide emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.
“He raised a smile in the farming community through these tales, which was particularly important during the recent COVID years, when his books timed with RSABI's #KeepTalking campaign to encourage people in Scottish agriculture to keep connected and look out for signs of loneliness.
“In recognition of this, he was awarded an Outstanding Contribution award by RSABI on HM Albion in June 2022, as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, attended by HRH The Princess Royal. Our warm congratulations and huge thanks go to Andrew who is a very worthy recipient of this recognition.”
Notes to Editors
- The NFU Scotland/NFU Mutual Ambassador Award recognises those who have excelled at representing the nation’s agricultural and food industries. Past winners are: Ken Rundle, Dan Buglass (posthumous), Lady Claire MacDonald, David Leggat, John Cameron, Ian Duncan Millar, Joe Watson (posthumous), Ewan Pate, Bobby and Anne Lennox, Marion McCormick, James Graham and Tracey Roan.
Ends
Contact Bob Carruth on 07788 927675