Gordon McKilligan, of Headtown of Ord Farm, Cornhill, Banffshire, has been chosen by NFU Scotland’s North-east members as recipient of this year's ‘Unsung Hero’ award.

The award is presented annually to recognise a North-east member for their achievements and hard work on behalf of fellow farmers, traditionally at Turriff Show – but with the show cancelled for a second year because of the pandemic, an alternative celebration BBQ and auction was arranged at Huntly Auction Mart, where union members from Highland, East Central, Dumfries and Galloway and Lothian and Borders helped to swell the crowd.

The award was presented by NFU Scotland president, Martin Kennedy, who expressed sincere gratitude to Banffshire branch member Mr McKilligan for all his hard work and effort in representing the union’s members. Over the years, Gordon has represented members regionally and nationally on Livestock, Less Favoured Area, Environment and Land Use, Combinable Crops and Legal and Technical Committees.

Paying tribute, Mr Kennedy said: “Gordon thoroughly deserves the Unsung Hero award as his commitment to the industry and the membership is 100%.

“He puts in the time and effort to fastidiously study relevant legislation right down to the finest detail. He communicates the implications with fellow North-east farmers and lays out the challenges and problems in discussions with fellow committee representatives from other regions of Scotland and our head office team.

"He is never afraid to speak out and lobby views and opinions, whatever the audience. When faced with concerns or problems, Gordon makes it his business to source answers from others in the industry, from legislation, or from local politicians. He has worked tirelessly on behalf of his fellow members and is a very worthy recipient of this prestigious award.”

North-east chair, Alan Simpson, endorsed Mr Kennedy’s remarks, adding that the decision which he and his two vice chairs, Bob Hay and Kevin Gilbert, reached when evaluating potential recipients for the award this year was unanimous.

Mr Simpson said: “The time and effort which Gordon invests in complex legal and technical matters is massive and we, as a region, are indebted to him for his commitment and tenacity over many years.”

Speaking after the event, which attracted more than 150 attendees, North-east regional manager Lorna Paterson said: “We are enormously grateful to Donald Young, his staff and United Auctions, for agreeing to host our event, especially during this pandemic, and all the challenges that presented to comply with current Covid guidance.

“The event raised £4195 from the generous raffle and auction, and this will be presented to Scotland’s rural charity, RSABI very shortly.”