Anne, Princess Royal has paid tribute to all the women who work behind the scenes in agriculture at the Royal Northern Spring Show.
Anne said: “For all those ladies working hard behind the scenes, who perhaps don’t have your names on the [business] letterheads, I hope you feel that progress has been made here.”
For her praise, Janelle Anderson, first female president of the Royal Northern Agricultural Society (RNAS), thanked the royal and attributed her attendance for the larger crowd at the show.
During her visit, the Princess Royal handed out two long-service medals.
Robert Largue has worked for the Watson family at Suttie near Kintore, since May 1979. He was praised for his work as tractorman and stockman.
Gordon Anderson was praised for his 31 years of work with three generations of the Maitland family. He has been responsible for the day-to-day running of their farm.
Royal patronage
Anne became the patron of RNAS in 2010. It was founded by progressive farmers and landowners in northeast Scotland in 1843.
This area has been renowned for the quality of its livestock and stockmanship of its farmers. It has been honoured with royal patronage since its beginning.
According to its website: “The society aims to improve agricultural production and the rural economy in all its branches.”
Today, the society is best known for its range of activities including the acclaimed annual Spring Show, competitions for growing cereals and turnips, awards for outstanding service to agriculture and encouragement of good farming practice.
The society has also been able to give assistance to some very worthwhile causes, particularly Countryside Education for Young People.
