Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) has announced that Patrick Machray, who is currently vice-chairman of the SRUC Board, will take over as chairman in October when Lord Jamie Lindsay steps down after eight years in the post.

Mr Machray is currently chairman of ANM Group Ltd and chairman of corporate communications company Fifth Ring Ltd. He is a former chairman of Scottish Enterprise Grampian and the Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Economic Forum.

Professor Christine Williams, Professor of Human Nutrition and Director of Food, Agriculture & Health at the University of Reading has been appointed to the SRUC Board from October.

John Cross and Jimmy McLean will join the SAC Commercial Ltd Board. Mr Cross, a Norfolk-based farmer, is chairman of both Meat and Livestock Commercial Services Ltd and the Bovine Eradication Advisory Group for England. Mr McLean is a well-known agricultural specialist and currently head of Agriculture at RBS.

Sir William Young Award for Kilsyth farmer

The renowned Blackface and Charolais breeder, Archie MacGregor of Allanfauld, Kilsyth is the 2015 recipients of the Sir William Young Award.

The award, from the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), recognises outstanding contribution to livestock breeding and commemorates the service to Scottish agriculture by the late Sir William Young, Skerrington Mains, Hurlford, Kilmarnock.

Mr MacGregor farms 1800 acres at Allanfauld, a predominantly hill farm, along with his son John.

Market round-up

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1185 prime lambs in Newton Stewart yesterday to a top of £73 per head and 163.2p per kg to average 141p (-10p on the week).

There were also 111 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £78.50 for Texel crosses and £44.50 for Blackfaces.

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart had 31 prime cattle forward in Dumfries yesterday when heifers sold to 235.5p per kg and averaged 194.7p, while bullocks peaked at 218.5p and levelled at 203.6p.

There were 108 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 132.8p and dairy cows levelled at 97.1p.

The firm also sold 745 prime lambs to a top of £72 and 171p to average 144p (-9.4p).

The 259 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £106.50 for a Texel and average £55.59 (-£20.76), while light ewes peaked at £72.50 for Cheviots and levelled at 333.98 (-£6.80).