Twenty-two-year-old John Alexander Smith, who has graduated with a 2:1 BSc (Hons) in general agriculture from Aberdeen University, received the 2008 Sandy Mackay Memorial Prize.

The award was established in memory of Forfar man Sandy Mackay, who died in 1992, having served in the post of senior agricultural adviser in Angus for the Scottish Agricultural College.

It is presented annual to a final year student at Aberdeen University, judged by the Mackay family and Iain Clark, who worked with Sandy as an adviser with the SAC and who is now with the Clydesdale Bank.

"We look for someone who has undertaken work in community life in addition to working towards their goal of a good degree," commented Agnes, the wife of the late Sandy Mackay, who, until his untimely death, played a leading role in many aspects of the Forfar community.

Sandy's son, Neil, and Iain Clark travelled north to present the award to 2008 recipient John Smith.

During his four years at university, John, having been educated at Speyside High School, Aberlour, worked at weekends and most holidays on the family farm of J. B. Smith & Sons, Knockhourn, Knockando.

In his spare time, he enjoys reading, socialising, hillwalking and swimming.

"I also like going game shooting with my friends and I hope to pursue this on leaving university," he comments.

"I have always had a passion for agriculture and I really enjoy the diversity farming offers. I particularly enjoy working with cattle and I am an active member of the Scottish Simmental Cattle Society.

"I try to attend all of the events that are organised, like stockjudgings and farm visits, and I am keen to get more involved in the committee to ensure the society continues in the future.

"In the summer months, I voluntarily help my neighbour at summer shows, exhibiting pedigree Suffolk sheep.

"Over the years I have learnt a lot about the skills required to show animals.

"Last year I completed a cattle dressing course to learn how to prepare and clip cattle for showing purposes."

John is also a member of the Strathspey Farmers Society, helping with the organising of the Grantown Show.

"I also like to attend young farmers activities and have been to many events throughout Scotland. At some point I would like to travel to New Zealand and Australia to learn more about their agricultural practices and about the countries in general.

"In the future I would also like to become a member of the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland and the North-East of Scotland Farm Management Association."

In addition to doing some travelling, it is John's goal to find a job within the area of animal nutrition and, in the long term, take over the running of the family business.