The finalists for the 2005 NFU Scotland Young Achiever Award, sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland, have been announced. Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell will announce the winner and runner-up and present the prizes at the NFUS AGM on Thursday 24 February in St Andrews.

The judging panel, made up of Royal Bank of Scotland and NFUS representatives, have short-listed and visited the farms of the four finalists, all of whom represent superb examples of how young people are excelling in the agricultural industry.

The four finalists are: Kier Hamilton runs Hamilton Waste and Recycling Ltd near Wallyford in East Lothian. Formed in 2002 when the family farming business purchased a skip hire and scrap metal merchants as part of their diversification plan, the business income comes mainly from skip hire and waste recycling. Kier runs the business with the help of fifteen full-time and four part-time staff and has succeeded in doubling the turnover of the business since taking it over. He has also attracted business from large national companies such as CALA Homes.

Robert McNee is the Chairman of the Luing Cattle Society and also continually develops the family beef business near Armadale in West Lothian. Robert has put considerable emphasis on recording the performance of the progeny of each individual bull used and has followed this up by pioneering the concept of cow classification through the Luing Cattle Society. This initiative has been a major factor in assuring buyers of Luing and Luing-cross cows and heifers of the benefits of these animals as good commercial cows and Robert is credited with creating the vibrant and innovative reputation associated with the Luing Cattle Society.

Stuart Roan has diversified the family farming business, although still very much involved in the farm, and has set up S J Roan Transport near Dalbeattie. Transporting hay, straw and timber, Stuart has built up from one to a number of lorries and has achieved the reputation of being a reputable local merchant. Stuart also works hard to ensure that his produce is sourced locally so that vital money is kept in the local area and also local people are employed. Stuart plans to further expand his business both geographically and also outwith the agricultural industry in the nest few years.

Charlie Russell is employed as Estate Factor at Glenapp Farms Ltd near Girvan in South Ayrshire. Charlie has established export status in sheep, allowing Glenapp to become the largest individual exporter of breeding sheep in Scotland. This market achieves a premium over lambs sold in this country and has also served the purpose of raising the profile of Scottish breeding animals abroad. Charlie is also Vice-Chairman of the Scottish National Beef Association.

NFUS President John Kinnaird said:

"Every year, the Excellence Awards have recognised the leading farmers and highlighted everything our industry has to be proud of. The quality of entrant in the Young Achievers category is again particularly high which is very encouraging as they are the future of Scottish agriculture."

Jimmy McLean, Head of Agricultural Services at The Royal Bank of Scotland, said:

"At The Royal Bank of Scotland we recognise the crucial role young farmers play in the future of the industry and we remain committed to supporting them. As we enter this period of change, it is very encouraging to see the enthusiasm of these young achievers.

"All of the finalists have not only demonstrated their agricultural knowledge, but also innovation in their business, market orientation and forward thinking - and for that they should all be congratulated. These young achievers are a credit to the industry. Selecting the eventual winner and runner-up for 24 February will certainly prove a challenge."