Scottish sheep farmer wins prestigious farming ambassador award

He is one of Scotland’s most widely respected and prominent commentators when it comes to life on the farm.

But sheep farmer Cammy Wilson was a little lost for words after being handed the Ambassador Award at the National Farmers Union Scotland’s (NFUS) AGM this week.

The Ayrshire-based father-of-three was recognised at the annual event for his project The Sheep Game. Launched in 2019, the social media page and YouTube channel documents day-to-day farm work using humour, honesty and real-life experiences to offer an insight into rural life.

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Cammy Wilson, who launched The Sheep Game after returning to farming after his father died

Cammy Wilson and Andrew Connon at the NFUS AGM this week | NFUS

His short, authentic online videos – filmed around shearing sheds, lambing fields and farmyards, often with his children – have resonated far beyond the farming community. Amassing almost 400,000 followers on Facebook, the clips have helped to connect the public with what it’s like being a sheep farmer in Scotland and inform viewers of the the realities of where food comes from and the stories behind the people who produce it.

The Sheep Game has become one of the most widely watched UK farming channels, especially among younger farmers and non-farming audiences interested in rural life.

It all began with the death of the farming star’s father. At this point, and after 12 years working as a Glasgow police officer, Mr Wilson decided to return to his roots in Ayrshire to get into farming.

Initially starting out with just four sheep, Mr Wilson and his partner Lizzy, alongside their children Jock, Angus and Bonnie, now manage 1,500 breeding sheep today.

Presenting the award at the NFUS’s AGM, the farming union’s president Andrew Connon said Mr Wilson showed an ability to tell farming’s story in a way that is accessible and helps to build understanding and trust between farmers and the wider public.

“The message from across Scottish agriculture is loud and clear – our farmers and crofters are stepping up to deliver food security, protect nature and drive innovation, but they need confidence, clarity and support to do it,” Mr Connon said.

“Telling that story with honesty and passion, like Cammy does, makes all the difference in helping people understand the realities of modern farming.”

West coast farmer David Colthart was also recognised for his commitment to farming and crofting at the annual event.

David Colthart, a farmer in Argyll, and who was pivotal in getting funding support for farmers who had lost lambs to sea eagle predation on the west coast. | Supplied

Based in Appin, Argyll, Mr Colthart has been heavily involved in securing funding for farmers impacted by lamb predation from sea eagles.

NFUS said he has proved “instrumental” in not only securing recognition from NatureScot and the Scottish Government of the damage that the birds of prey can cause on some farms, but he has also lobbied for improvements to the Sea Eagle Management Scheme, ensuring an uplift in payments.

David Colthart and Andrew Connon at the National Farmers Union Scotland event | NFUS

The union said Mr Colthart, who runs a diversified hill farm and who has been a long serving member of his local community fire station, is also “consistently creating opportunities for young people in the area to get involved in farming and crofting.”

The farmer was awarded the Miskelly Award, which was established in memory of John Miskelly, a staff member with the Union. The trophy recognises those who have shown “outstanding dedication and commitment to NFU Scotland and Scottish farming and crofting.”