THERE WAS much to be celebrated at Caledonian Marts’ Stirling auction market last week, when RHASS long service medals were awarded to five members of staff who have notched up 218 years’ service between them.

RHASS executive director, Andrew Hornall, said: “It is an amazing achievement and the passion these men have for the agricultural industry is incredible. I was delighted to be in the post when the changes were made recently to the long service award initiative, opening the door to many more who deserve recognition, including these men today.

"We needed to react to what was happening in the entire rural community and it fits well with the drive to modernise the RHASS. Long service awards can now be awarded to employees who have worked full-time within the rural, agricultural and support services, making a direct contribution the agricultural community.”

Caledonian Marts’ managing director, John Kyle, received his 40 years award, having started with Caledonian as a trainee auctioneer back in 1977. “I was humbled when the Gilvear family appointed me as managing director and I am proud to say that the market has gone from strength to strength.

“There is no doubt it was a stressful time as we transferred across to the new company, but we are thriving and are extremely busy. Although sheep numbers have fallen this year due to the weather conditions, cattle numbers are similar. We have had to make a lot of changes and we now have a more streamlined staff who go above and beyond for us.”

Longest serving member of staff, Jim Dunn, was awarded a 50-year award. He started with the company in 1968, beginning as an auctioneer’s clerk and book keeper, but by the age of 20 was auctioneering: “I have loved every minute of it. Having two auction companies in Stirling has been fantastic for the town and for agriculture and farming in Scotland."

Company cashier, Jim Renfrew, received an award for 43 years service. Mr Renfrew started as a trainee auctioneer before deciding it wasn’t for him and found his niche in the mart office, working his way up to head cashier.

Receiving his 40 years award was Ally Logan, the company’s auction operations manager. Ally left school and joined the merchant navy for a short time before deciding it wasn’t for him: “The nearest I got to a boat was a canoe on Loch Lomond and I nearly drowned that day! So that was it, I left and began work at the market as a sheep auctioneer.”

Senior yardsman, Andy Young, was awarded a medal for 45 years service. He started back in 1973, having grown up on a smallholding and worked on farms throughout his school years: "I love meeting all the different farmers and the camaraderie and banter is great and that’s why I’m still here and enjoying my job. Every week here is the same, but every day is different,” he said.