Bute Bag Club of the Year Win

25 Jun Bute Bag Club of the Year Win

Bute Bag Club of the Year Win

Island Club’s Community Connection Delivers Them National Title

Bute Junior Agricultural Club were crowned the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs’ Club of the Year on Saturday at the Royal Highland Show. The club from Clyde and Central District were recognised for their work in their local community particularly in the formation of ‘Bute Mini Agricultural Club’ in partnership with a local Nursery. The results were announced in front of a bustling MacRobert Pavillion on Saturday evening, Club Chair, Chloe Robertson, described how it felt to hear the club’s name read out:

“Hearing Bute JAC getting announced as National Club of the year had us speechless.  It was an ecstatic feeling. This award means the absolute world to our club and recognised the countless hours put into the club by their members and we are completely over the moon with this achievement!”

This win marks the pinnacle of an amazing rise from the club who, just a decade before, were close to folding. A rise, as Chloe explains, that is rooted in the commitment of its members and local community:

“Bute JAC has been growing from strength to strength over the past few years. The hard work and dedication that has been put into this club has shone through. Back in 2014/15 BJAC was close to folding but due to the determination, passion and resilience of some of the senior members who are still involved with the club today, the club has rebuilt and thrived ever since. This achievement is not only huge to our club but also to our community and island who are there to back us the whole way!”

The competition, sponsored by Cefetra, saw clubs competing from across SAYFC’s three regions with six clubs advancing to the final stage. Bute were joined in the placings by second place Halkirk YFC from the far north of the country in Caithness and east club Peeblesshire JAC in third. Three worthy winners showing the hard work being put in by members across Scotland. A spokesperson on behalf of Cefetra congratulated the three clubs:

“Congratulations to Bute JAC on securing first place, and to Halkirk YFC and Peeblesshire JAC for their outstanding achievements. The judges’ recognition of Bute JAC’s work with the Bute Mini Agricultural Club highlights the importance of inspiring the next generation and strengthening connections within local communities.”

They recognised the fantastic commitment of the competing clubs and the importance of celebrating the efforts of our young farmers with the community:

“Cefetra is proud to support the SAYFC Club of the Year competition, which celebrates the passion, commitment, and community spirit that are at the heart of Scotland’s young farming community.

Competitions such as Club of the Year showcase the positive impact young farmers have beyond agriculture, developing skills, leadership, and opportunities that will benefit the industry for years to come. We are delighted to support an initiative that recognises and celebrates these achievements.”

Congratulations once again to Bute on this fantastic achievement, through their hard work and commitment and their connection with the island’s young people, the future is certainly bright. Well done also to all competing clubs for their achievements throughout the year. The association would like to thank all the judges and stewards who assisted in delivering this year’s competition and to Cefetra for their support throughout.