Latest news with #RoyalHighlandShow
Scotsman
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
The final farming battle at Royal Highland Show
The SAYFC Tug of War (tow) finale is one of the most exciting and energy filled events at the Royal Highland Show and requires great teamwork. It involves power, passion and dedication to training ahead of the regional qualifiers. Competition this year was so fierce that neither of last year's winning teams qualified for the final. Saturday saw a ring of highly motivated young farmers donning their colourful #pullingfortheteam shirts. Winning the battle of physical and mental strength in this years ladies competition was Strathbogie JAC from Aberdeenshire, who stepped up a place on last year, with Avondale YFC from Lanarkshire taking second and Callander YFC, Perthshire, taking the third spot. The gents' event was won by Strathearn JAC from Perthshire, with Lesmahagow YFC, Lanarkshire taking second place and in third, were Deveron & Speyside YFC in Aberdeenshire. Prizes at the event were presented by the sponsors Davidson & Robertson, represented by Graduate Surveyor Vicky Haddow, whose family has a long involvement with the tug of war competition. Vicky said: 'It's brilliant to represent the company today - supporting young farmers is something I'm very passionate about, both in my role at D&R and as the current Chairwomen of Lesmahagow YFC. "My Dad has coached the TOW team for nearly a decade, so I fully understand the commitment and dedication that goes into training for this competition.' The club was represented in the tow finals by their gents team who came second. Jillian Kennedy, Chair of the SAYFC, expressed heartfelt appreciation for Davidson & Robertson's continued support and said: "Having Davidson & Robertson back with us this year has been fantastic. Their support not only makes the event possible but their enthusiastic backing in the run up and on the day creates a real atmosphere of excitement and anticipation amongst members. It's partnerships like this that help showcase the strength and spirit of Scotland's rural youth." Commenting on their win in the gents competition the team said: "Unbelievable, all of a sudden it was just all over and kind of a bit surreal to be honest. We've been here 8 times: we've been third four years ago, second two years ago, and yeah, can't really believe it to be honest." Strathbogie Quines (ladies) team coach David Mackenzie said:"I'm absolutely delighted. The league went well, and we had a good hard final. The quines have been training hard for it the last few months. Last year they came second, and the year before they came third so a slow progression. The quines stuck in well." Summing up the day Vicky said: 'The next generation of young people in our industry are dedicated and determined which was demonstrated by every participant today. It also highlights that our industry stands in good stead for future challenges we face.' 1 . Contributed Coach Ewan Aitken jumps for joy as Strathearn JAC gents win the final pull Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 2 . Contributed Strathbogie JAC Ladies celebrate winning the tug of war sponsored by Davidson & Robertson Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 3 . Contributed Final pull for Strathbogie JAC ladies - event sponsored by Davidson & Robertson Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 4 . Contributed Full line up of finalists in the SAYFC Tug of War competition Photo: Submitted Photo Sales
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Hamilton dairy farmers win Royal Countryside Fund Family Farm Award at the Royal Highland Show
The award celebrates family farms that combine long-term dedication to British agriculture with forward-thinking innovation, strong values and a commitment to the next generation. Third-generation dairy farmers from Hamilton have been named winners of the Royal Countryside Fund Family Farm Award at the 2025 M&S Select Farm Awards. Stuart and Jean Currie came out on top at the event which was held during the Royal Highland Show on June 19. Presented in partnership with the Royal Countryside Fund, the award celebrates family farms that combine long-term dedication to British agriculture with forward-thinking innovation, strong values and a commitment to the next generation. Farming has run through the Currie family for decades. Now joined by their children, Stuart and Jean continue to develop the 230-cow dairy herd with an unwavering focus on animal health, sustainability and community values. Their recent investments – including a curtain wall ventilation system in the milking shed and a fully redesigned calf shed – have helped create healthier, more comfortable living environments for their animals. These efforts are clearly paying off: the Curries have maintained exceptionally low anti-biotic use and have achieved good results in the regular mobility scoring, reflecting their proactive approach to welfare. Beyond this, it's their deeply personal connection to the farm and its future that stands out. Stuart Currie said: 'Our family all take our role in caring for the countryside seriously. We are proud to get this recognition from M&S and the Royal Countryside Fund.' Steve McLean, head of agriculture and fisheries at M&S, said: 'The Currie family are an example of what responsible, resilient British farming looks like. Their care, attention to detail and long-term mindset embody everything the Select Farm Awards were created to celebrate. We're incredibly proud to recognise their work at this year's Royal Highland Show.' Keith Halstead, executive director of The Royal Countryside Fund, added: 'I'm delighted to see the Currie family recognised with such a well-deserved award. It is a reminder of how commitment, care for the land and animals, and thoughtful investment can help build a resilient farm business. Their example offers real encouragement to other farming families who want to pass on not just a business, but a thriving, purposeful way of life to the next generation. 'As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, we also want to say a massive thank you to everyone at M&S who has supported our charity since 2010, demonstrating their continuing commitment to our partnership helping farmers to build a resilient future.' The Royal Countryside Fund, founded by HM King Charles III (then Prince of Wales), supports rural communities and family farms across the UK. M&S has been a partner of the Fund since its inception, helping to champion long-term sustainability, succession and innovation in British agriculture. The Family Farm Award recognises dairy, beef and sheep farms where dedication to welfare, the land and the future of farming are front and centre.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Young farmer from West Lothian scoops top environmental award at M&S Select Farm Awards
Ben Miller, who works full-time on his family's mixed beef, lamb and arable farm, was presented with the Environmental Champion Award, recognising his forward-thinking approach to efficiency, soil health, and sustainable farming practices. A young farmer from West Lothian has scooped a top environmental award at the 2025 M&S Select Farm Awards, held at the Royal Highland Show. Ben Miller, who works full-time on his family's mixed beef, lamb and arable farm, was presented with the Environmental Champion Award, recognising his forward-thinking approach to efficiency, soil health, and sustainable farming practices. Ben farms at Muckraw Farm in Westfield, a 600-acre family-run holding that supplies beef and lamb to M&S through processor ABP. Alongside his parents and brother, Ben has been instrumental in driving environmental improvements across every part of the business – from nutrient mapping and reduced fertiliser use to cutting carbon emissions through precision feeding and home-grown feed systems. Steve McLean, Head of Agriculture and Fisheries at M&S, said: 'Ben Miller is part of a new generation of farmers who understand that sustainability and efficiency go hand-in-hand. 'His approach to soil health, low-carbon feeding, and precision farming makes him a brilliant ambassador for farming.' Ben has overhauled feeding systems to reduce waste, improve animal performance, and cut reliance on purchased concentrates – mixing home-grown barley with Harbro's Maxammon treatment to improve cattle growth and lower feed costs. Meanwhile, a shift to diet feeders and ad-lib hoppers has streamlined labour and improved cow condition. He's also invested in soil mapping, autosteer tractors for accurate fertiliser use, weigh-scales to monitor cattle in real time, and improved field drainage to maximise grass/crop yields and reduce compaction. These changes have delivered clear environmental benefits: less waste, fewer emissions, and healthier soil – helping to reduce the farm's overall carbon footprint while boosting productivity. It's a model of modern farming where smart choices lead to better outcomes for animals, the land, and the planet. Ben said: 'We're always trying new things to make the farm work better – for us and for the environment. If there's a way to waste less, grow better feed or get animals finished quicker, we'll give it a go. 'It's about working smarter – and knowing the food we produce is going into M&S stores makes it all worthwhile.' With plans underway to build new bull housing and improve breeding management, Ben is continuing to futureproof the family farm. His award reflects a wave of energised, tech-savvy young farmers using fresh thinking to produce great food, more sustainably, for M&S customers across the UK.
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Young Farmers on the ropes in final farming battle
The SAYFC Tug of War (tow) finale is one of the most exciting and energy filled events at the Royal Highland Show and requires great teamwork. It involves power, passion and dedication to training ahead of the regional qualifiers. Competition this year was so fierce that neither of last year's winning teams qualified for the final. Saturday saw a ring of highly motivated young farmers donning their colourful #pullingfortheteam shirts. Winning the battle of physical and mental strength in this year's ladies competition was Strathbogie JAC from Aberdeenshire, who stepped up a place on last year, with Avondale YFC from Lanarkshire taking second and Callander YFC, Perthshire, taking the third spot. The gents' event was won by Strathearn JAC from Perthshire, with Lesmahagow YFC, Lanarkshire taking second place and in third, were Deveron & Speyside YFC in Aberdeenshire. Prizes at the event were presented by the sponsors Davidson & Robertson, represented by Graduate Surveyor Vicky Haddow, whose family has a long involvement with the tug of war competition. Vicky said: 'It's brilliant to represent the company today - supporting young farmers is something I'm very passionate about, both in my role at D&R and as the current Chairwomen of Lesmahagow YFC. My Dad has coached the TOW team for nearly a decade, so I fully understand the commitment and dedication that goes into training for this competition.' The club was represented in the tow finals by their gents team, who came second. Jillian Kennedy, Chair of the SAYFC, expressed heartfelt appreciation for Davidson & Robertson's continued support and said: "Having Davidson & Robertson back with us this year has been fantastic. Their support not only makes the event possible but their enthusiastic backing in the run up and on the day creates a real atmosphere of excitement and anticipation amongst members. It's partnerships like this that help showcase the strength and spirit of Scotland's rural youth." Commenting on their win in the gents competition, the team said: "Unbelievable, all of a sudden it was just all over and kind of a bit surreal to be honest. We've been here 8 times: we've been third four years ago, second two years ago, and yeah, can't really believe it to be honest." Strathbogie Quines (ladies) team coach David Mackenzie said:"I'm absolutely delighted. The league went well, and we had a good hard final. The quines have been training hard for it the last few months. Last year they came second, and the year before they came third so a slow progression. The quines stuck in well." Summing up the day, Vicky said: 'The next generation of young people in our industry are dedicated and determined, which was demonstrated by every participant today. It also highlights that our industry stands in good stead for future challenges we face.' 2 . Contributed Deveron & Speyside YFC gentgs came third Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 3 . Contributed Strathearn Gents receive prizes from Davidson & Robertson's Vicky Haddow Photo: Submitted Photo Sales Related topics: Aberdeenshire
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Renewed interest in farm diversification
Expanding into renewables? Get the best advice, writes Henrietta Talbot Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Royal Highland Show, which finished yesterday, provided an excellent opportunity for Davidson Chalmers Stewart to speak with farmers and landowners. As lawyers for business, we are deeply invested in understanding our clients' needs and aspirations. Attending events like the Show enables us to understand precisely the issues they face here and now, and hone our advice in light of that. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At the Show, farming meets politics, commerce and community on an equal footing. But for all the tradition and pride on display, this year's conversations revealed a sector bracing for serious change. Henrietta Talbot can help farmers negotiate the transmission queue Continued uncertainties, including upcoming changes to Inheritance Tax and a shift in the farming subsidy framework, alongside typical challenges such as extreme weather and fluctuation in commodity prices, threaten the financial stability of many rural businesses. Diversification continues to act as a means to generate new income streams. Research by NFU Mutual last year found the number of UK farmers planning to diversify in the next five years has jumped from 3 per cent in 2023, to 17 per cent in 2024. It's a shift we continue to see at Davidson Chalmers Stewart with new and existing clients seeking advice on diversification. Whilst the projects we advise on can be varied in nature, by far the most sought-after route is renewables. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With Scotland's geography, natural resources and climate ambition, renewable energy is a logical fit. Solar farms, battery energy storage, and onshore wind projects can provide long-term income and help landowners contribute to national net-zero goals. But the road to realising those projects is far from straightforward – and it's about to get tougher. A new UK-wide energy body, the National Energy System Operator (NESO), is reforming how new energy projects connect to the electricity grid. There are currently more than 3,000 projects waiting in the transmission queue, far more than the system can accommodate. Projects will be assessed and assigned a status based on their readiness and alignment with the UK's energy goals. An evidence submission window opens on 8 July, lasting until 29 July, after which the NESO will begin the task of reorganising the transmission connection queue. It's a deadline already putting pressure on landowners who may be interested in renewables but aren't yet fully prepared to proceed. Those with agreed contractual terms with a developer, may find if contract negotiations have stalled, their project will be potentially put on ice, terms renegotiated or even mothballed completely. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It is important that landowners seek specialist legal advice and financial and project management counsel to make the call that's right for them. If progressing, they need to submit well considered plans that meet regulatory requirements, along with a solid financial plan. A landowner does not want to be locked into commitments that don't suit the land or the long-term goals of the business. A renewables project might not be the best fit for every landowner, but the wonderful thing about the sector is its adaptability and there are so many other diversification options open to explore. Allying extensive knowledge of the rural sector and the challenges it faces with deep understanding of what makes successful renewables schemes, we help clients navigate the regulatory framework of renewable developments including connection reform and contribute to a thorough and meaningful project response to ensure they can make the most of the opportunities available. This could not only have a real impact on helping achieve renewables targets, but also ensure the ongoing financial viability of their businesses.
