TRIBUTES have been paid by NFU Scotland to the former long serving Stewartry secretary Mickey Coutts, above right, who has passed away.
He was well-known to many within the organisation having been in the Castle Douglas office for 36 years prior to his retiral two years ago.
Mickey started with NFU Scotland and NFU Mutual in 1985, assisting his father for six years. He fully took over the running of the office on his father’s retirement in 1991.
In 2007, he was the inaugural winner of the Union’s prestigious Miskelly award, recognising outstanding service to Scottish farming communities and the Union.
His dedication and commitment were instrumental in helping those struck, or severely restricted by FMD in 2001, going on to assist many members to get through BSE, salmonella in eggs and the Stranraer port protests, all the while ensuring the Union’s activities reflected.
Paying tribute, former NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick, of Dumfries, said: “To me, Mickey was a brilliant mentor, he had basically seen it all over the years and developed a clear sense of what was right.
“He dealt with the beef crisis, milk crisis, foot and mouth, BSE, storms, floods, and people’s personal challenges. Through all this and more, the members could turn to Mickey and know they would get a down to earth and knowledgeable opinion.
“He was a gifted communicator built on his extensive experience across many walks of life. Many members will be able to relate their own stories of how Mickey was there for them and not just in his business role.
“He was a man of many parts including a Special Constable, pipe band member and charity trustee. In all these things, he was there for the community and was helping others quietly and modestly.
“Mickey will be sorely missed but very fondly remembered by all those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him.”
