MARTIN BIRSE, manager of Pitgaveny Farms, Elgin, was recently presented with an RHASS 30 year Long Service medal and certificate.

Martin has also had a distinguished career outside Pitgaveny Farms, as a past chairman of the Royal Northern Countryside Initiative, a current board member of the Royal Highland Educational Trust and of REAP Scotland, as well as being the current vice chair of NFU Scotland’s Highland Region.

In addition, he was recently given a lifetime achievement award by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. Somewhere in amongst all of the above he also found time to gain an MSc in Organic Production through distance learning.