Award recognises his efforts on behalf of the Scottish poultry sector during Avian Influenza outbreak
One of NFU Scotland’s highest accolades has this year been awarded to poultry sector stalwart Robert Thompson who has tirelessly represented NFU Scotland members during the Avian Influenza outbreak.
At NFU Scotland’s annual dinner in Glasgow (Thursday 9 February), the prestigious Miskelly award was presented to Robert by President Martin Kennedy
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 fifteenth time, the trophy recognises those who have shown outstanding dedication and commitment to NFU Scotland and Scottish farming and crofting.
In a tribute to Robert, Robert Chapman of Aberdeenshire-based Farmlay Eggs said: “Robert has been Chair of the Poultry Working Group though perhaps the most difficult period the industry has ever faced. We have been challenged with low profitability which has led to the current egg shortage and then Avian Influenza (AI) which has resulted in thousands of Scottish poultry having to be culled.
“Robert’s dogged determination in tackling the retailers on their reluctance to pay a sustainable price has been a benefit to everyone in the poultry sector. He highlighted the need for the industry to be profitable and predicted that, if the retailers and food service did not pay a sustainable price, this would lead to an egg shortage.
“His prediction proved correct, and we now have the situation where retailers are clamouring for supplies.
“Avian flu has been the biggest challenge the poultry industry has faced for many years. The media took a keen interest in what was happening and Robert was the industry’s spokesperson appearing on many TV and radio shows helping to reassure the public that the industry was doing all it could to protect the birds from this deadly disease. He also exposed the supermarkets attempts to cover up their unsustainable prices by using the excuse that AI was the cause of the egg shortages.
“He has put in countless hours in online and face to face stakeholder meetings to put across the industry’s views on a housing order and the need for heightened bio-security measures for our birds.
“Robert is always approachable and takes on board other people’s concerns. His dedication to the industry over many years has been commendable and is sometimes to the detriment of his own business. That is just the kind of guy he is. This special award is so well deserved and is recognition of all his hard work.”
Notes to Editors
- The Miskelly Award was established in memory of John Miskelly, who served as Regional Manager with NFUS. The 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 and Jim Innes (posthumously).
- A photograph Robert Thompson collecting the award from President Martin Kennedy is attached.
Ends
Contact Bob Carruth on 07788 927675