By Gregory Fruchtenicht

Last updated at 16:14, Friday, 21 October 2011

An auctioneer has been handed one of the highest honours in Cumbrian agriculture.

Stuart Robertson

Stuart Robertson has worked for marts firm Hopes of Wigton for more than 50 years.

And his dedication to the county’s farming community has now been recognised with the presentation of the coveted Blamire Prize.

Mr Robertson said: “It was a great honour to receive the award.”

He was born in Ratho, a small town on the outskirts of Edinburgh, and started work at Hopes in 1960 after completing his auctioneer training in Edinburgh.

He climbed the ranks to become its managing director, a position he retired from in 1998.

But he has remained with the firm ever since, working as a consultant and director of property, a job he continues to hold.

Although he found out he would receive the Blamire Prize in February, Mr Robertson was unaware that he would be handed over to him at a presentation last week.

“It came as a great surprise. I had no idea I would be getting the award on that evening,” said Mr Robertson who received the award at the NFU dinner at Greenhill Hotel, near Wigton, on Friday.

The Blamire Prize, a monogrammed coin-like medal, was first awarded in 1865 in memory of farmer and politician William Blamire. It recognises great contributions to farming practices in Cumberland.

First published at 14:06, Friday, 21 October 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk