North-east farmers will once again hold a special charity event in memory of the Press and Journal’s late farming editor Joe Watson.
NFU Scotland’s Buchan branch is set to host the second annual Joe Watson stockjudging and social evening on Friday, June 26. This year’s event will take place at Adziel Farm, near Fraserburgh, which is run by Jim and Irene Fowlie.
“This event is open to all of the north-east region, and will be a tribute to the life of Joe Watson, our dearly missed local, top journalist and good friend to many within the farming industry,” said NFU Scotland’s north-east regional manager Lorna Paterson.
A stockjudging competition will start at 6.45pm, followed by stovies and refreshments provided by Country Flavours of Alford. There will also be a raffle.
The event was launched last year in memory of Joe, who died suddenly at the age of 43 in March last year.
His family – mother Mirren, brothers Fraser and Murdo, and nephew and niece Joe and Amy – plan to attend this year’s event.
All funds raised from the evening will be presented to three charities which Joe supported – the Sandpiper Trust, Scottish Charity Air Ambulance and RSABI. There will also be a presentation of the Joe Watson Perpetual Trophy to the winner of the stockjudging competition.
Last year’s event at Auchincrieve Farm, near Rothiemay, which is run by Charlie and Gillian McCombie, was attended by more than 300 people and more than £4,000 was raised for charity.
“We hope to achieve the same level of success this year for what promises to be a great show of stock and hearty entertainment,” said Ms Paterson.
“We do welcome entry donations for our raffle, and any such donations can be made via either the NFU Scotland Thainstone office or by contacting Buchan branch chairman Lee Walker or myself.”
Farmers wishing to attend the event are invited to register their names with NFU Scotland’s head office by phoning 0131 472 4000.
Last month, Joe’s family collected the union’s ambassador award on his behalf.
The prestigious award, which was set up in 2009, recognises an individual who has played an important role in communicating the work, challenges and value of Scottish farming and food to a wider audience.