Colin Manson of Brodiehill, Forres was named today (Tuesday 14 February) as the winner of the NFU Scotland Miskelly Award 2012 at the Union’s AGM in St. Andrews.
Colin, who was NFUS Highland Regional Chairman from 2006 to 2010, was applauded for his remarkable contribution to local members and NFUS at large.
NFUS President Nigel Miller, who presented the award, said:
“Colin Manson has for a long time been a big figure within NFU Scotland. The former Chairman of our Highland Union conducted his role in a perfect, yet seemingly effortless manner. Every meeting I attended that he chaired was a masterclass in how to conduct a debate; his skill of giving everyone the confidence to take part in the discussion and being unperturbed by difficult subjects while maintaining a light touch and a sense of humour is unsurpassed.
“Colin led the region admirably during the latter part of the past decade, which was a difficult time for the region: still reeling from the shock of the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak, market conditions were very difficult and there was the additional trauma of a further outbreak in 2007. He absorbed these difficult times with considerable grace and provided local members with an endless well of support.
“Beyond his activities in the region, Colin contributed a great deal at NFU Scotland’s Board of Directors, again, bridging readily and smoothly all sectoral and regional divides, without ever losing sight of his local members’ own needs.
“Travelling the length and breadth of Scotland as I do, I am fortunate to meet a great many remarkable people. Colin Manson is particularly admirable and highly deserving of this award.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
- The award was established in memory of John Miskelly, who served as Regional Manager with the Union and was an inspirational figure through his dedication and support to the Agricultural Industry. It was kindly given by John’s family following his death in 2006.
- A photograph of Colin Manson receiving his award will be available from 2.00pm on Tuesday, 14 February from media@nfus.org.uk tel. 0131 472 4000
Ends
Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006