02 Jul Lucy Recognised for Outstanding Contribution
This award is given annually to a past member or supporter of SAYFC who has worked tirelessly for SAYFC, either through delivering innovation, championing the needs of young people in rural Scotland or fellow young farmers, spearheading change and/or promoting young farmers to the wider public. It is usually presented at our Five Star Awards Dinner, but with the absence of this event for 2025 this year’s award presentation was a surprise inclusion at our Agri & Rural Affairs Reception at the Royal Highland Show.
Lucy was recognised for her role in the refocusing and restructuring of our National Board and Committees. Her hard work in this area has led to improved communication and teamwork at all levels, bringing great benefit to the Association and most importantly to our members. Reacting to the news Lucy had this to say:
“I am incredibly proud to have played a part in shaping a stronger future for SAYFC. Leading the restructure of our board and organisation, and securing funding from the Scottish Government to support that work, has been a real team effort. Receiving this award from the SAYFC board is a huge honour, and I am grateful to be recognised for my contribution to an organisation that means so much to me and to young people across rural Scotland.”
As a past member of West Fife YFC, Lucy has held offices at every level of the Association, including East Chair, being the first chair of our National Competitions & Events Committee after our most recent restructure, and eventually holding the role of National Chair in 2022. During her time as National Chair Lucy oversaw a bounce back in membership numbers post covid and put an increased focus on inclusivity throughout our competitions and opportunities. But her personal highlight and part of the reason she has been recognised with this award, was securing £40,000 from the Scottish Government to undergo a Board review and to provide training for our current and future Trustees through utilising external professional expertise. This resulted in the Board structural change taking place to provide a more effective and efficient Board with a clear focus. Jillian Kennedy, our current National Chair has worked alongside Lucy for years at regional and National level and has been witness to her dedication to the Association:
“On behalf of SAYFC, I was delighted to present Lucy with this year’s Outstanding Contribution Award. During her time as National Chair, Lucy was instrumental in reshaping our board structure and creating a clearer and more focused strategy board. This also led to a continual strengthening of our senior leadership team, ensuring SAYFC remains adaptable and well placed to drive positive change. We are grateful for her outstanding contribution to our organisation!”
Outwith SAYFC, Lucy has continued her passion and dedication for our agricultural community. She is particularly invested in the work of agricultural organisations and how they and their structures can best support their members.
This year she was the recipient of a Churchill Scholarship. As part of this, she has been travelling the commonwealth to explore how agricultural organisations engage with the public and their members, as well as how they fund these initiatives. Through this and her new role as Commercial and Membership Director for Ulster Farmers’ Union, we have no doubt that Thursday’s award will not be the last time that Lucy will be recognised for her contributions to the agricultural community.
Congratulations Lucy!