A dedicated and long-serving NFU Scotland group secretary has been awarded the prestigious NFU Scotland John Miskelly Memorial Award for 2014.
Elizabeth (Liz) Murdoch was named today (Monday 10 February) as the recipient of the award at the Union’s AGM in St Andrews.
Liz, who is the group secretary in NFU Scotland’s branch offices in Laurencekirk and Stonehaven, has worked for the Union for almost quarter of a century. She is being recognised for her dedicated and contribution to NFU Scotland and for someone who has gone that extra mile during her time.
Last year’s winner of the award, which is in its eighth year, was George Murray from Morvich Farm near Rogart in Sutherland - a member of NFU Scotland for over 70 years.
Liz attended both Aberdeen and Robert Gordon’s University before returning home to help on the family farm in Dumfries and Galloway and attended Barony Agricultural College, winning top student in her final year.
Andrew Moir, NFU Scotland’s Crop Committee Chairman, has been a member of Liz’s for many years and commented:
“Liz was born into a Kirkcudbridgshire farming family. The eldest of four girls, she had an active role in the farm (mainly sheep) from a very young age, learning at her grandfather’s side the qualities which would leave her superbly equipped for her future career.
“After leaving home Liz worked on a fruit farm near Dundee before taking on the post of Group Secretary with NFUS and NFU Mutual in February 1986. Liz was one of the first five female NFU group secretaries, nicknamed the “Famous Five”.
“In the ensuing years, Liz has demonstrated the qualities that this award is all about, namely a massive commitment to not only her customers but to the farming industry, with her complete dedication to help and problem solve through to a finish, everything she takes on.
“Her focus can clearly be seen in the figures produced for this past year, showing above target results for recruitment, bucking the national trend. Commitment to her role goes beyond the job description, with her guidance and support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, attending meetings in evenings, getting to know the personalities and knowing the right person to cagoule or prod.
“Liz does not seek the ‘limelight’ preferring to ‘coach’ others having helped five Aberdeen and Kincardine area Presidents and one NFUS Vice President provide an effective voice for the North East and the industry as a whole.
“Although brought up with sheep, Liz does not always follow the flock and will deviate from a popular view to speak her mind with great honesty and integrity if it is to the benefit of the industry she loves.
“As personal friends of the late John Miskelly, I know that John valued her candid and forthright opinion and we are sure that he would welcome this award going to Liz and to the North East where, John played such an important role in our lives.”
Ends
Notes to editors
• The Miskelly 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.
• Previous winners include Michael Coutts, David Smith, Jo Durno, Bert Leitch, Henry Murdoch, Colin Manson and George Murray.
• A photograph of Elizabeth Murdoch receiving her award will be available from 2pm on Monday, 10 February from media@nfus.org.uk or Tel: 07920 018619.