James Coupland, pictured above centre, has been rewarded with a long-service medal and certificate from the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.
Born and bred in Dumfries and growing up near the award-winning research farm, James began work at Crichton as a 17-year-old barn boy in February 1987. And he says he has never had a “dull day” during his three decades. Remembering one particularly eventful day when a burst pipe resulted in a neighbouring house – including the washing line – being showered in slurry, James said: “The owner was okay about it, but he was worried because he was going to play golf in half an hour and his golf clothes were out on the washing line!”
Now a calf and young stock rearer, James was named north region winner and national runner-up in the youngstock producer of the year category at the 2017 Farming in Excellence Awards. He said: “I’ve seen a lot of changes here over the years, mostly in terms of the advent of new machinery, but I’m extremely proud to be part of an amazing team at Crichton and I can honestly say there’s never been a dull day!”
The award was presented by Professor Wayne Powell, CEO of Scotland’s Rural College, and Crichton farm manager Hugh McClymont, who said: “James has been a tremendously loyal servant to Crichton over the last 30 years and it’s fitting that we recognise his long service. I’d like to express my personal thanks to James and wish him many more years of service at Crichton.”
