A YOUNG women from Orkney who demonstrates an exceptional enthusiasm for the livestock industry has been selected as the winner in an initiative launched as part of the celebrations for Scotland’s Year of Young People.

Kerry Annal (24), from Orkney, has been announced the winner of a Young Livestock Ambassador award, run by Quality Meat Scotland, SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College) and the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland.

The three finalists of the Young Livestock Ambassador award were invited to the QMS stand where the winner was announced by Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity. Kerry received a lifetime membership of RHASS, including free entry to the Royal Highland Show.

The two other finalists, Sam Haining from Dumfriesshire, and Gemma Wark, from Angus, were also recognised for their valuable contribution to the industry and received vouchers for the Scotch Beef Club.

“The three finalists all greatly impressed the judging panel with their energy and enthusiasm for the Scottish livestock industry”, said Douglas Bell, director of industry development with Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

Colin MacEwan, SRUC’s director of commercialisation and innovation said: “We were extremely impressed by the entries for the award. The three finalists come from different backgrounds but the common theme that connects them is their love of Scottish agriculture and their wish to see it flourish.”

Alan Laidlaw, chief executive of RHASS, said: “The Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland has been proudly promoting the interests of Scotland’s land-based industries and rural communities for more than 230 years. We are delighted to be supporting this award as one of several initiatives we are undertaking during Scotland’s Year of Young People.”