Five Scots farmers and fish producers are in the running for the Marks & Spencers Farming for the Future award.
The award, which will be announced at the Royal Highland Show on Thursday June 19, is in its sixth year and praises farmers who show a commitment to improving the future of farming.
The retailers said the five finalists impressed the judges with their sustainable farming practices.
The shortlist of finalists includes Bo’ness grower Robert Kirk of Kinglass Farm, who has been supplying M&S with brussel sprouts for more than 10 years, Forres farmer Hamish Rhind, whose family supplies Aberdeen Angus beef to the retailer, and Arbroath grower Peter Stirling who supplies strawberries to the retailer.
Scottish Sea Farms has two finalists – Richard Darbyhire of the firm’s Isle of Eday site in Orkney, which supplies M&S with Orkney Lochmuir salmon and Colin MacDonald who is the exclusive producer of Lochmuir Salmon to the retailer.
M&S said the award celebrates suppliers who show commitment to its Plan A commitments – these include becoming carbon neutral, sending no waste to landfill and extending sustainable sourcing.
“We are continually impressed with the commitment and passion our suppliers show towards Plan A and sustainable farming practices, and I’m delighted to once again be honouring some of the country’s most inspiring farming champions,” said M&S head of agriculture and fisheries Steve Mclean.