A long-serving farming journalist has won parliamentary recognition for his services to the agricultural sector.

Eddie Gillanders, former agricultural editor at Aberdeen daily the Press & Journal, has been recognised at the Scottish Parliament for his 40 years of service with the Royal Northern Agricultural Society.

Eddie, pictured, has announced he is stepping down as the society’s director and press officer, prompting Alexander Burnett, Conservative MSP for Aberdeenshire West, to put forward a motion in Holyrood honouring him.

He spent 11 years in the role at the P&J and also served as the editor of Farm North East.

Eddie continues to contribute regular articles to the Northern Scot, the Forres Gazette, the Banffshire Herald, the Banffshire Advertiser, the Banffshire Journal, the Huntly Express, the Turriff Advertiser, the Ellon Advertiser and the Inverurie Advertiser.

Mr Burnett said: “Eddie’s career has spanned decades, highlighting the wonderful dedication he has shown to the agricultural sector.

“He is a great ambassador for the industry and someone who has created a legacy through his work.

“Eddie has helped the society to progress agricultural production and the rural economy in the North-East which is absolutely fantastic.

“He deserves to be recognised in parliament for the sheer drive and passion he has shown over the years and I wish him all the best for the future.”

The motion received support from across the political spectrum, being countersigned by MSPs Brian Whittle, Jamie Greene, Miles Briggs, Jamie Stewart, Richard Lyle, Alison Harris, Bill Kidd, Jeremy Balfour, Annie Wells, Stewart Stevenson, Margaret Mitchell, Michelle Ballantyne, Tom Mason and Donald Cameron.