The deputy editor of a regional publisher’s farming magazine has been presented with an award to recognise his outstanding contribution to agricultural communications.

Ken Fletcher, left, deputy editor of The Scottish Farmer, won the Netherthorpe Award from the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists for his 36 years at the weekly magazine, which is published by the Herald and Times Group.

He was presented with the crowing cockerel trophy at the Guild’s annual harvest lunch for his role at the title and as an ambassador for Scottish agriculture.

In a story about the award, Guild chairman Jane Craigie said: “Ken is an ambassador for farming and for communicating about the industry and its people. His nominators said of him that his energy and enthusiasm, coupled with a passion for the job, have made him many friends from all walks of life in the industry.”

Said Ken: “I am deeply humbled and honoured to have received the Netherthorpe Award. I always thought it was for people older and wiser than me …but then I found out that there are fewer that are now older, though many remain wiser!

“On behalf of myself and my colleagues – who are very much part of the reasons why I could even be considered for this award – I say a huge ‘thanks’ to those who nominated me and for those who adjudged that I deserved it.”