Dumfries and Galloway dairy farmer Tracey Roan has been presented with NFU Scotland and NFU Mutual’s prestigious Ambassador Award for her outstanding advocacy of the farming industry, and in particular, dairying.

Established in 2009, the Ambassador Award was set up to recognise those individuals who, through their own efforts, have played an influential role in communicating the work, challenges and the value of Scottish food and farming to a wider audience.

Ms Roan was announced as this year's winner of the trophy at NFU Scotland’s annual dinner, attended by more than 430 guests and delegates, in Glasgow, and was presented with the award by president Andrew McCornick and NFU Mutual chairman, and former NFUS president, Jim McLaren.

Director of Regions and Regional Manager for D and G, Teresa Dougall said: “I am delighted that Tracey has received our NFUS Ambassador of the Year award. At both a regional and national level, we have been working with Tracey over the last few years from when she first approached us, looking for our support in setting up the Dumfries and Galloway Dairy Women’s Network.

“Tracey worked tirelessly to establish this group for ladies in her region, providing the meetings, training and social events that they wanted. Her drive to promote this group continues as does her commitment to the wider sector and family business.

“Tracey represented our sector on the South of Scotland Economic Partnership and has recently joined the NFUS Dumfries and Galloway Executive Committee.

“Tracey and the family also featured on Series 2 of This Farming Life and through this, we were able to see and hear about her passion for the industry. This is what we look for in an ambassador and the award has gone to a worthy winner.”

NFU Mutual chairman, Jim McLaren added: “The establishment and development of Roan’s Dairy by Tracey and the whole Roan family makes her a fantastic advocate for the role that farm diversification can play in growing a farming business.

“It is also great to see, through the Dairy Women Network, the crucial role of women in agriculture getting the support and recognition it so richly deserves.”

Past winners of the Ambassador Award include Ken Rundle, Dan Buglass (posthumous), Lady Claire MacDonald, David Leggat, John Cameron, Ian Duncan Millar, Joe Watson (posthumous), Ewan Pate, Bobby and Anne Lennox, Marion McCormick and James Graham.