NFU Scotland paid homage to a longstanding supporter at its AGM in St Andrews today (Tuesday 15 February). Henry Murdoch of Torr Farm, Dalrymple, Ayrshire was presented with the John Miskelly award in recognition of his dedicated work on behalf of the Union throughout the years.

The award was established in memory of John Miskelly MBE, 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.

NFU Scotland President Jim McLaren, who presented the award to Mr Murdoch at the Union’s AGM in St. Andrews said:

“It is fitting in the year that the Union’s Ayrshire region organised our annual dinner that a ‘weel kent’ Ayrshire farming face is being commended for his outstanding contribution to NFU Scotland.

“NFUS is definitely greater than the sum of its parts because of the work that people like Henry Murdoch do, not only for the Union, but also for other local and rural organisations. And Henry’s list of deeds for NFUS reads rather like a who’s who entry for Scottish agriculture.

“Henry is a past Ayr Branch Chairman and was President of Ayr Area from 1997 to 1999 before becoming chairman of the Union’s Legal and Commercial committee. Upon leaving these posts within the Union, however, his work on behalf of NFUS members has not waned; he is still a Trustee of the Former Ayr Area funds and is heavily involved in diffuse pollution, water management and goose issues, and continues to provide valuable support to Ayrshire’s Regional Manager, Christine Cuthbertson and local Group Secretaries.

“He was a founding member of RHET’s Ayrshire & Arran Countryside initiative and has given numerous school talks and hosted farm visits, and is a member of the RSABI Ayrshire Committee.

“On top of his commitments to farming, he chaired Ayr & District Round Table and the Rotary Club of Alloway and is a church elder and former Session Clerk. In his spare time, if you can believe he has any, he has been seen on many a Sunday at the Museum of Rural Life at Kittochside and has two daughters and four grandchildren!

“I cannot emphasise enough how important the input of people like Henry is to our organisation and I am delighted to have the opportunity, through the John Miskelly award, to express on behalf of our membership and staff how grateful I am for his efforts.”

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Contact Sarah Anderson on 0131 472 4108