TRIBUTE has been paid to recently retired Landward presenter Euan McIlwraith via a Parliamentary Motion in the House of Commons.

The North-east-based presenter of BBC Scotland’s ‘Landward’ programme – to which he has devoted 30 years of service – was thanked for his huge contribution to highlighting farming issues by Gordon SNP MP Richard Thomson.

Mr Gordon said: “For many people this will be the end of an era with Euan’s retirement from Landward, and it’s right that we recognise his important work over three decades in covering what matters to rural Scotland.

“Euan has covered a wide range of issues during his time on Landward, including the devastating foot-and-mouth disease outbreak of 2001 which hit rural Scotland so hard. He’s had many lighter moments as well along the way, but always handled with the flair and professionalism we’ve come to expect.

“I understand spending time with his grandchildren and sailing are now high on Euan’s list of priorities and I wish him all the very best for the future.”

The Parliamentary Motion tabled on July 14, read: "That this House notes that Euan McIlwraith is stepping back from his presenting role on BBC Scotland’s Aberdeen-made farming and rural programme, Landward having been a constant presence on-screen for 30 years; recognises the wide range of subjects covered by Euan during his time on the series including the catastrophic foot-and-mouth disease outbreak of 2001; welcomes the window the programme provides for viewers into issues affecting rural Scotland; further notes that Euan’s natural story-telling abilities and warm style have made the programme a must-see for many people; and wishes Euan all the very best going forward where his new priorities will be his grandchildren, sailing and writing."