I consider myself truly blessed to have been born in Turriff, brought up on a farm in the area and – having lived in Aberdeen for a while and travelled around the world a bit – returned to make a home here for my family.
Last week, I took my wife, children and visiting father in law to watch the winter barley harvest start on the family farm – something I would have actively taken part in when I was younger and, had I hung around long enough, I’m sure my dad or my brother would have found something for me to do!
The annual #Farm24 online event, which celebrates and promotes the realities of British farming over a 24-hour period, took place last week,
This event, sponsored by Supermarket chain, Morrisons, has an estimated audience of 112 million and is a great way of showcasing the vital role farmers play in ensuring we have a secure supply of high-quality food on our plates.
This has been a particularly critical role in recent times as our whole way of life has been disrupted by Covid-19.
Thankfully, our farmers and food and drink sector kept going throughout – for which we should all be hugely thankful.
The beginning of August would normally also be marked with another annual event – Turriff Show.
Unfortunately, The Show was cancelled for a second year running due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The show is always a fantastic event drawing huge crowds from across the northeast to Turriff and is a great boost to the local economy.
There were still a wide range of activity and prize-giving organised online by the Turriff and District Agricultural Association and I congratulate them and all prize winners.
See TurriffShow.org for details of all the latest prize winners as well as videos and pictures from previous Shows.
I would also like to congratulate Gordon McKilligan of Headtown of Ord, Cornhill, who won this year’s NFUS North East Unsung Hero award, which would normally be presented by NFUS at the Show.
Over the years, Gordon has represented NFUS members regionally and nationally on Livestock, Less Favoured Area, Environment and Land Use, Combinable Crops, and Legal and Technical Committees.
Gordon’s award was presented at a recent NFUS event which also managed to raise £4,195 in aid of RSABI, who provide emotional, practical and financial support to people in the agricultural sector.
As I write this, the Tokyo Olympics has just concluded with Team GB ranking 4th on the medal table behind the United States, China and hosts, Japan.
Team GB have matched their London 2012 performance of 65 medals and in a wider range of sports than at any other Olympics.
As well as celebrating the many successes of Team GB, we have particular cause to be proud of our local athletes from Banff and Buchan.
Kim Little from Mintlaw was instrumental in the women’s football team getting to the top of their qualifying group – as captain for some games - and to the quarter-finals.
And, Neah Evans from Easter Ewebrae near Cuminestown, won silver as part of the women’s cycling pursuit team.
In a couple of weeks, the Paralympics begins, and I’m sure the whole community will join me in cheering on Turriff’s own Connor Morrison in the swimming.
Well done to all.