Scott Chapman, a store and breeding cattle auctioneer based at Thainstone mart has been awarded the MJ Thomson Memorial prize for being the top student in his year in Scotland.

Mr Chapman, who is originally from Turriff in Aberdeenshire now auctioneers mainly at Aberdeen and Northern Marts' Thainstone Centre but also heads up sales at Caithness Livestock Centre. The 27-year-old recently graduated with a certificate in Higher Education in Professional studies in Livestock Market Operations and Management, from Harper Adams University.

Scott was presented with his fellowship to the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers (IAAS) by president Donald Young. The Scottish Institute, along with the Livestock Auctioneers Association in England support the course at Harper Adams University as a way of providing the chance for budding auctioneers to improve their knowledge and reputation within the industry.

Alan Hutcheon, council member of the IAAS said: “We are delighted to see Scott receiving this prize and completing the course. It is vital for auction companies to invest in the next generation of auctioneers, and I am sure Scott will continue to be successful in his career.”