Award recognises Argyll and the Islands stalwart for service to farming and crofting.
One of NFU Scotland’s highest accolades, the prestigious Miskelly award, has this year been awarded to Argyll and the Islands Group Secretary Euan Warnock for his service and dedication to farming and crofting in the region.
It marks a hattrick of landmark events for Euan in recent months. At the Argyll and the Islands regional AGM, held in January, NFU Scotland Chief Executive John Davidson made a presentation to Euan to mark his 30 years of service as a Group Secretary based at Oban, assisting members on behalf of both NFU Scotland and NFU Mutual. At that same event, Euan then went on to win the Argyll and the Islands Stalwart Award which recognises those who have given time and effort to the work of the Union and agriculture in Argyll and the Islands.
Winning the Miskelly award, presented by President Martin Kennedy at NFU Scotland’s annual dinner in Glasgow (Thursday 6 February) gives national recognition to Euan’s incredible contribution to fellow farmers and crofters.
The Miskelly Award was established in memory of John Miskelly, an inspirational staff member with the Union and was presented by John’s family following his death in 2006. Now being presented for the seventeenth time, the trophy recognises those who have shown outstanding dedication and commitment to NFU Scotland and Scottish farming and crofting.
Over 30 years, Euan has made a significant impact on many aspects of the industry across Argyll and the Islands and beyond.
A dedicated campaigner on ferry service provision and the impact of sea eagles on livelihood of farmers and crofters, he also set up the Argyll Agricultural Forum and was influential in introducing the Royal Highland Educational Trust to Argyll, serving as the local Chair – a role that has seen him raise funds and host educational visits for schoolchildren to his own farm. Other local businesses including Oban Livestock Centre and Mull slaughterhouse have benefitted from Euan’s commitment. Most importantly, on behalf of NFU Scotland and NFU Mutual, he has tirelessly served Bute, Cowal, Mull, Lochaber and Sunart and Lorn branches as Group Secretary, even stepping up to chair his local Lorn branch.
Commenting on Euan’s success, newly appointed Argyll and the Islands Regional Chair, Sybil Macpherson said: “I remember Euan arriving at the Oban office at the start of his career and it was clear that his enthusiasm, encouragement and knowledge would be of huge benefit to everyone in the region.
“He has an ability to make everyone feel comfortable and involved and his skill in getting all stakeholders round a table to discuss and engage with them on thorny issues like sea eagles or ferry provision has been invaluable to farmers and crofters.
“In his 30 years as secretary, he has tackled it all in a calm, constructive manner; he has never shied away from tackling the issues that matter to our members, and I congratulate him on being a worthy recipient of the 2024 Miskelly Award.”
Notes to Editors
- The Miskelly Award trophy is inscribed as follows: “This award is presented in recognition of those who have shown, through outstanding dedication and achievement, their commitment to NFU Scotland and Scottish farming.”
- Previous winners include Michael Coutts, David Smith, Jo Durno, Bert Leitch, Henry Murdoch, Colin Manson, George Murray, Liz Murdoch, Elaine Robertson, Lachlan MacLean, Jake Sayles, Sandy Murray, Gill Johnstone, Jim Innes (posthumously), Robert Thompson and Rory Christie.
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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006