Despite storm Babet, Poultry Club of Scotland guests braved the weather and made it to the Dunblane Hydro for a night of celebrating and honouring the Scottish Poultry Industry on 20 October.
Now in its 26th year, the event one of the biggest dinners in the country for the poultry industry, attracting over 300 guests from Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales.
Richard Buchan from Newquip received the prestigious 2023 Howie Surgenor Cup for his outstanding contribution to the Scottish Poultry Industry over a lifetime, presented by Robert Chapman of Farmlay Eggs. Buchan started his career on the family farm before moving into equipment sales and has been a key member of the trade ever since. Chapman has built a close relationship with Buchan after years of working in the industry. “His knowledge of equipment is second to none and he always goes the extra mile to make sure his customers are looked after,” he said.
This year’s Young Person Award, which recognises someone who is committed, dedicated and enthusiastic in their day-to-day work, went to Mike McLaughlin from Hewitt Farming at Carnwath. McLaughlin received his award from committee member David Montgomerie who spoke about his transition from broiler to layer production and how he is “someone who just gets things done, takes advice from suppliers and managers and everyone he meets to solve problems as they come along”.