ONE OF the best known names in the Scottish machinery trade retired this week.

Robert Wilson, from Renfrewshire, began as an apprentice mechanic for five years, before running a small garage in Larkhall for a few years. His career in sales really began when he worked for the legendary George Spark, selling Massey Ferguson machinery for Hamilton Brothers, Bishopton, before moving on to running his own business as a franchise holder for Snap on Tools.

During 1984-85 he was with Malgar – a specialist slurry store manufacturer – and any trip around dairying areas will still reveal some of the places where Robert’s patter won the day.

That was followed by a wee stint at Abbey Farm Machinery, before moving on to sell Robinsons Sheds for a while. Then he ended his career with slurry equipment specialist, Storth.

Robert is also a former chairman and the current vice-chairman of the Scottish Agricultural Machinery Representatives Association.

His successor has already taken over. Alister Shanks joined Storth, recently, with a great apprenticeship behind him.