Dingwall and Thurso agency named winners of farmers' union 'Flame' award
The National Farmers' Union of Scotland have recognised their Highland agency for their outstanding efforts in recruitment and retention of members.
Graham Laing and Jonathan Hogg of the Dingwall and Thurso agency were named as joint winners of the Membership Flame award, sharing the accolade with Keith and Turriff representatives Richard Thompson and Rosslyn Reid.
Both agencies recruited 32 new members and finished the year at 101 percent of their targeted subscription income set for the year.
NFU Scotland chief executive Scott Walker said: “This year a lot of our group secretaries performed incredibly well, however, there were two agencies who were ahead of the rest. Richard and Rosslyn from Keith and Turriff and Graham and Jonathan from Dingwall and Thurso together recruited 64 members and finished the year ahead of subscription target. A magnificent achievement in very difficult times.
"There are three criteria that are used to determine the Flame Award: member engagement, recruitment, and achievement of subscription income target.
"Both agencies work tirelessly for their members, recruited 32 new members, and finished the year at 101 percent of their target.
"There was therefore nothing to split the performance of these agencies and so this year it was decided the Flame Award, for the first time ever, would be shared. Richard, Rosslyn, Graham, and Jonathan have all done a marvellous job and are deserved winners. I congratulate them all for their performances."
Highland regional manager Ian Wilson said: "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Graham and Johnny on their achievement in being joint winners of the NFUS Flame Award.
"This win has come on the back of some exceptional recruitment figures within the Ross-shire branch along with solid performances from Sutherland and Caithness branches too. This win is made even more stunning given the challenges of working through Covid-19 restrictions, and also the fact that Graham and Johnny’s business has been an agent down for the last year. I look forward to helping them build on this performance going forward."