NFU honours Mull’s Bert Leitch with John Miskelly Award

An Argyll farmer’s dedication and commitment to the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland, over a period of no fewer than thirty-years, was recognised at the Union’s AGM in St Andrews on Friday 19th February.

Bert Leitch of Lagganulva Farm on Mull was awarded the John Miskelly Award, which honours outstanding contributions to NFU Scotland.

The award was established in memory of John Miskelly, who served as Regional Manager with the Union and was an inspirational figure through his dedication and support to the agricultural industry. It was donated by John’s family following his death in 2006.

NFU Scotland President, Jim McLaren, who presented the award to Bert Leitch, said: ‘Bert Leitch is a fantastic example of an ordinary hard-working hill farmer who, for much of his life, has been prepared to put considerable time aside to represent the interests of his fellow producers and to promote the industry that he is proud to be part of.

‘He has made a telling contribution to the work of NFU Scotland and I am delighted to be able to reward such dedication with this award.

‘He began working with the Union as the Chairman of the Mull branch before moving into the role of Chairman of the Argyll & the Islands Regional Board. He is now a member of the Crofting Highland & Islands Committee and has been at the forefront of crucial issues such as LFASS (Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme) and LMOs (Land Managers’ Options).

‘Only last year he was involved in activity which saw the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead, and his officials visit Mull to discuss the importance of the continuation of active farming in the area. This kind of activity exemplifies the importance of his work for the Union and its members.

‘Bert plays a prominent role in his community and is involved in the Argyll & Bute Agricultural Forum as well as being a Community Council Representative. He also spends time recruiting members to NFU Scotland.

‘Quite simply Bert has contributed decades of work to NFU Scotland, striving to secure a better future for his fellow farmers, Scottish agriculture and NFU Scotland.

‘It speaks volumes that he was nominated not only by those in his local area, but by other members across the country.

‘The very existence of NFU Scotland depends on members showing this kind of dedication and commitment, and I am delighted to be able to award someone who typifies the John Miskelly Award so well.’

Mr Leitch has received personal letters of tribute and congratulation on his award from Argyll’s MSP and Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, Jim Mather; and from Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead.

The photograph above shows Bert Leitch, right, receiving the John Miskelly Quaich from NFUS President Jim McLaren.