FARMER’s daughter Catherine Smith has been awarded the highest mark in Scotland in the agricultural valuers exam.

Catherine and colleague Hugh Maclean, who both work in the Perth office of land agents Bell Ingram, have passed their Central Association of Agricultural Valuers exams, with Catherine's high score earning her the coveted ‘Martin Hall SAAVA President’s Prize’.

Delighted bosses at Bell Ingram were full of praise for the pair. Head of training, Sarah Tyson, said: “It is so rewarding to see the next generation of chartered surveyors and valuers showing such dedication and commitment to succeed.

“Catherine and Hugh are already an important part of our Perthshire team assisting and advising on a broad range of rural issues across Scotland. These latest qualifications give our clients further confidence and reassurance that they really are getting the best advice possible.”

Catherine joined Bell Ingram in 2014 after studying at the Scottish Agricultural College and completing a Post Graduate Diploma through the College of Estate Management. Securing the President’s Prize provided a double reason to celebrate, since Catherine also became a Member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) in November after sitting both professional exams only a week apart.

She said: “It was a relief to pass and I was absolutely thrilled to have received this award, it is such a tremendous feeling when all the hard work pays off. Given the practical nature of the exams, getting out onto farms to consolidate my knowledge was really useful."