North East Awards

Each year the Society brings together a panel from a range of leading organisations in the North East to help it to honour individuals who have been nominated for Outstanding Service to Agriculture. Anyone may put forward nominations and four winners are selected annually. The presentations are made in association with key sponsors at the Royal Northern Awards Lunch in November. On this distinguished occasion the Society also recognises three promising agricultural students and engineering apprentices.

For information on how to nominate someone for an RNAS award please download the 'Award Criteria & Guide to Writing a Citation' document below.

Those seeking assistance in drafting citations are welcome to contact the RNAS Secretary in confidence. The citations of successful nominees will be made available to speakers before the Awards Ceremony.

The Awards Lunch is always a very well attended function where all are welcome to attend.

Award Winners 2023

Pictured, from left, are: Alan Cumming, Iain MacDonald, Gordon Towns, Ben Lowe and Peter Cook.

The Public Award, sponsored by the Press & Journal

Winner: Peter Cook, Director of Food, Drink and Agricultural at Opportunity North East (ONE)

The Local Award, sponsored by Aberdeen & Northern Marts

Winner: Gordon Towns, Partner at Towns & Carnie Ltd

The David Argo Unsung Hero Award

Winner: Iain MacDonald, former Norvite Animal Nutrition Feed Adviser

Under 35 Award, sponsored by SRUC

Winner: Ben Lowe from Newburgh, Ellon

Pictured, from left, are: Eileen Brown (Turriff Agri Parts), Reece Marr, Lyndsey Brown, Mitchell MacGillivray and Jane Mitchell (Johnston Carmichael).

Farmer's son/daughter working at home, sponsored by Johnston Carmichael

Winner: Mitchell MacGillivray, Glenlivet

Student employed outwith the home, sponsored by Johnston Carmichael

Winner: Lyndsey Brown, Midmar

Agricultural Apprentice, sponsored by Turriff Agri Parts

Winner: Reece Marr who is currently studying a land-based engineering extended diploma with Ravenhill (Dyce).

Award Categories

Public Award

David Argo Award

Public Award

The Press & Journal Public Award is presented to a public figure or personality for Services to Agriculture.

Local Award

David Argo Award

Public Award

Presented to a non-public figure who has in their own way made an outstanding contribution to progress in the Industry.

David Argo Award

Presented to an “Unsung Hero” working within the agricultural sector who merits particular recognition. Someone who has had very little public recognition but who might not qualify for the above awards.

Under 35 Award

David Argo Award

Presented to someone in that age group who has shown significant achievement and contribution in agriculture.

Student Awards

Under 35 Award

Student Awards

Agricultural Apprentice