The 2025 Scottish Agriculture Awards, held last night (Thursday 23 October 2025), welcomed over 600 attendees at a glittering ceremony, celebrating innovation, progression and some of the shining lights within the industry.
Organised by AgriScot, RHASS (the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland), and The Scottish Farmer, the ceremony celebrated achievements across 17 prestigious categories, with 42 finalists from right across Scotland and the Islands.
The event, for the third year running, was hosted by popular rural influencer and farmer Cammy Wilson of The Sheep Game, who has championed the awards since their launch. Delivering great humour and entertainment, he acknowledged the passion and commitment of all those in the room, and the wider sector.
The evening started with the Lifetime Achievement Award which went to John Cameron. Through his career he has represented the NSA, SBA and QMS, as well as serving as NFU Scotland President from 1979 to 1984, the first multi-year leader for the organisation. During his tenure, he was instrumental in supporting policy changes, to the benefit of the agricultural sector. This included in 1971 achieving backing from the European Sheep Group to include Scotland in its own right, and years late, following two challenging winters, increasing the Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance. Away from advocating for the sector, a role for which he has always taken great pride, John and his wife, Margaret, have run a successful farm, once deemed the biggest sheep farmer in Europe, stretching across 37,000 acres. He has also committed funds and time, through the Cameron Trust to support hundreds of young farmers over the years, inspiring and empowering the next generation.
The Unsung Hero Award sponsored by United Auctions went to Flora Corbett, who has devoted the last 15 years, on a voluntary basis, to the Mull Slaughterhouse. As Chair she has helped safeguard a vital local facility, that underpins small-scale farming across Mull, Argyll, and the Highlands and Islands. This has included steering the abattoir through funding crises, regulatory challenges, and near closures. With a deep respect for people, animals and place, Flora has ensured local farmers retain access to humane, and sustainable processing.
Thomas Murdoch received the Farming’s Future Award sponsored by NFU Scotland, for his clear and ambitious vision for the future of his business. He impressed judges with well-defined short, medium, and long-term goals, and a strong grasp of industry challenges and public perception.
New this year was the inclusion of the SAYFC Young Farmer of the Year Award, sponsored by ATV Services. The competition, which has been running for eight years, went to Callum Simpson from Garioch JAC.
The evening concluded with the Champion of Champions, sponsored by CNH. Muirhouse Farm from Inverclyde, who also won Sheep Farm of the Year, sponsored by Rumenco, picked up the accolade. The judges praised their outstanding performance and contribution to the Scottish sheep industry, with a business defined by meticulous performance recording, insightful analysis, and superb stockmanship. Beyond the farm gate, Wendy and James MacDougal are passionate ambassadors, engaging the public with their story and championing the industry with authenticity and pride.
AgriScot Chairman Gilmour Lawrie, welcomed guests and said:
“Scotland is renowned all over the world for its quality food. In every sector from Beef, Lamb and Dairy to Horticulture and Whisky. But it is the people who grow and rear this food and drink, that uphold and maintain our credibility and reputation, and I am so proud to stand alongside you here tonight and through farming life. Farming, as we all know, is continuing to face political, environmental and social challenges. It is important our voice is heard, and our farms and productions are seen – these awards allow us to showcase farming at the very highest level, and it is vital we shout about that valuable contribution we play to the economy. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners and we are looking forward to continuing the celebrations on 19th November at AgriScot.”
James Logan, the Chairman of RHASS, said:
“The awards are a valuable opportunity to celebrate and honour the outstanding achievements of the Scottish agriculture sector. On behalf of the team at RHASS, I’d like to congratulate all the nominees and winners, we saw an exceptionally high standard of entries this year, truly showcasing the passion, dedication, and hard work that define our community. Despite the difficult times we are facing, our sector continues to rise above the challenges with resilience, collaboration, and innovation, driving Scottish agriculture forward and inspiring the next generation. I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to our judges for the difficult task of selecting the winners, and to our organising Partners; The Scottish Farmer, Newsquest and AgriScot, who all helped to make the evening possible.”
John Sleigh, Editor of the Scottish Farmer, who opened the evening said:
“As an industry, we need nights like this to celebrate those who are doing an exceptional job. Personally, I’m particularly delighted because, in the paper, we must call out everything – the good, the bad, and the ugly. This evening provides the necessary balance, allowing us to highlight all the great work being done in Scottish agriculture. What strikes me most about our finalists this year is their ability to see opportunity where others only see challenges. This is something we shouldn’t shy away from, as change is the one certainty we face. Our finalists have embraced change and built resilient businesses fit for the 21st century.”
Launched in 2023 by AgriScot, RHASS, and The Scottish Farmer, the Scottish Agriculture Awards were created to consolidate various sector awards into a single, premier event that celebrates the best of Scottish agriculture. This complements individual awards presented at both the Royal Highland Show in June and AgriScot in November.
The 2025 ceremony, held at the larger DoubleTree Hilton venue in Glasgow, included a three-course meal showcasing some of the finest Scottish ingredients and live music. Winners of the Farm of the Year awards will also be recognised at AgriScot on 19th November, where they will receive their coveted plaques.
WINNERS:
Adviser of the Year presented by The Scottish Farmer
Mr John Reid, Morningside Rural Consultants
Animal Health Provider of the Year presented by AgriScot
Tarff Valley
Arable Farm of the Year sponsored by SoilEssentials
Learielaw Farm, West Lothian
Contractor of the Year Award sponsored by McHale
John D Laird Agricultural Contractors
Dairy Farm of the Year Award sponsored by GEA
Mains of Boquhan Farm, Stirling
Diversified Farm of the Year sponsored by EQ Accountants
Thorabella Farm, Moray
Farming’s Future Awards sponsored by NFU Scotland
Thomas Murdoch
Machinery Dealer of the Year sponsored by Agrii
S & J Allan
Mixed Farm of the Year sponsored by Thorntons
Carriston Farm, Fife
Scotch Beef Farm of the Year sponsored by ABP
Shandford Farm, Angus
Sheep Farm of the Year sponsored by Rumenco
Muirhouse Farm, Inverclyde
Supplier of the Year presented by RHASS
East of Scotland Farmers
Sustainable Farm of the Year sponsored by Virgin Money
Upper Locharwoods Farm, Dumfries
Young Farmer of the Year, sponsored by ATV Services
Winner – Callum Simpson, Garioch JAC
2nd – Scott Limond, Ayr YFC
3rd – Robert Kennedy, East Lothian JAC
Unsung Hero of the Year sponsored by United Auctions
Flora Corbett
Champion of Champions 2025 sponsored by CNH
Muirhouse Farm,Inverclyde
Lifetime Achievement Award 2025
John Cameron CBE FRAgS