Cornhill farmer is honoured as north east NFU's unsung hero at social event in Huntly Mart
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FARMERS from across the north east and their families gathered at Huntly Auction Mart recently to crown NFU Scotland’s North East ‘Unsung Hero.’
The award went to Gordon McKilligan, Headtown of Ord Farm, Cornhill.
The Unsung Hero Award is presented annually and recognises a North East member for their achievements and hard work on behalf of fellow farmers.
The award is traditionally presented at Turriff Show but with the Show cancelled for a second year an alternative celebration BBQ and auction was arranged at the mart, where NFU Scotland members from Highland, East Central, Dumfries & Galloway and Lothian & Borders helped to swell the crowd.
The evening included an auction and raffle and raised £4195 for the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution.
The award was presented by NFU Scotland President, Martin Kennedy who expressed sincere gratitude to Banffshire branch member Gordon for all his hard work and effort in representing the Union’s members.
Over the years, Gordon has represented members regionally and nationally on Livestock, Less Favoured Area, Environment and Land Use, Combinable Crops and Legal and Technical Committees.
Paying tribute to Gordon, Mr Kennedy said: “Gordon thoroughly deserves the Unsung Hero award as his commitment to the industry and the membership is 100 per cent.
“He puts in the time and effort to fastidiously study relevant legislation right down to the finest detail.
"He communicates the implications with fellow north east farmers and lays out the challenges and problems in discussions with fellow committee representatives from other regions of Scotland and our head office team.
"He is never afraid to speak out and lobby views and opinions, whatever the audience. When faced with concerns or problems, Gordon makes it his business to source answers from others in the industry, from legislation, or from local politicians.
"He has worked tirelessly on behalf of his fellow members and is a very worthy recipient of this prestigious award.”
North East chairman, Alan Simpson endorsed Mr Kennedy's remarks, adding that the decision which he and his two vice chairmen Bob Hay and Kevin Gilbert reached when evaluating potential recipients for the award this year was unanimous.
Mr Simpson said: “The time and effort which Gordon invests in complex legal and technical matters is massive and we, as a region, are indebted to him for his commitment and tenacity over many years.”
The award saw Gordon receive an Angela Davidson Limited Edition print of “Mr. S”- Simmental Bull, framed by Country Frames of Insch.
The tribute read: “Thank you for all your enthusiasm, sterling work, deep thinking and commitment in analysing, understanding and interpreting challenging policy documents for the benefit of our agricultural industry. You deserve this recognition, Gordon. Well done!"
Speaking after the event, which attracted more than 150 people, North East Regional Manager Lorna Paterson said: “We are enormously grateful to Donald Young, his staff and United Auctions, for agreeing to host our event, especially during this pandemic, and all the challenges that presented to comply with current Covid guidance.
"Donald did a superb auctioneering job in securing bids for all the generous lots provided for our charity auction. The splendid food and drinks, provided by Barra Berries, Mackies, Malcolm Allan (Housebuilder) and Woodhead Bros. (Turriff) were well received by everyone involved."
