New award launched in memory of former The Scotsman agriculture editor Fordyce Maxwell

The accolade recognises those who engage in promoting the good work that is happening in the industry.

A new award to celebrate people who promote the best of agriculture has been established in memory of former award-winning Scotsman journalist Fordyce Maxwell.

Mr Maxwell, who died aged 77 in October after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, spent half a century reporting on and promoting the industry, during which he was awarded an MBE for services to journalism and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Scottish Society of Newspaper Editors.

He was appointed agricultural editor of the The Scotsman in 1975, where he was also diary editor and a columnist. He had regular columns in The Herald, The Sunday Post and The Journal, amongst others, and hosted his own segments on BBC radio and television.

The Fordyce Maxwell Award for Agricultural Communications has been launched in memory of the award-winning journalist, broadcaster and farmer Fordyce Maxwell who spent half a century reporting on and promoting the industry (pic: SRUC)

The Fordyce Maxwell Award for Agricultural Communications has been launched by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) to recognise students, past and present, engaged in publicly promoting agriculture. It will be awarded to the winning student at the Royal Highland Show next month. Nominations for the award are open until June 12.

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SRUC senior lecturer Craig Davidson said: “It’s crucial the agriculture industry self-promotes the good work that is happening across the sector. In times of changing public perception and a decrease in general agricultural literacy, we aim to encourage those who have their wellies on the ground to spread the word about the food journey.

“Fordyce was one of the most effective communicators the Scottish agricultural industry has ever seen, so, with the support of his family, we’re delighted to launch this award in his honour.”