Six long-serving ANM Group staff, with a remarkable combined service of 264 years, were recognised at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie, on Tuesday 9th December.
Receiving a 50-year service award, Alan Donald began his career at Turriff Mart in 1975. He clerked sales across several marts before becoming Head Cashier at Turriff and later moved to Thainstone in 1990, where he took responsibility for Group shares and later supported online auctions - a role he continues to hold today. For the past 31 years, Alan has also played a central role in Shetland livestock sales.
Also marking 50 years with the Group, Dougie Mitchell started at Keith Auction Mart in August 1975 and clerked across many local marts. Known for his meticulous approach, Dougie has been Elgin Cashier since 2010, ensuring the smooth running of operations behind the scenes.
The first of the 40-year awards went to Sandra MacIntosh, who joined the Group in 1977 as a Typist. After a short a break to raise her family, she returned to the print room before moving into the Main office in 1997. Sandra has clerked sales, supported auctioneers, worked on the machinery sales, livestock shows and contributed to the successful day-to-day running of the main office, making her commitment both wide ranging and long standing.
From left, John Angus, Graham Gibb, Grant Rogerson, Sandy Morrison, Colin Jamieson, Sandra MacIntosh, Dougie Mitchell, Alan Donald, and Mike Macaulay
Graham Gibb, also marking 40 years, began as a Yardsman in 1985 before moving to Belmont Mart and later joining the Thainstone Yard team. Progressing into an auctioneer and canvasser role, selling prime sheep at Laurencekirk and later becoming Store Cattle Auctioneer at Elgin. Since 2001 he has canvassed the Morayshire and the highlands, building a loyal customer base.
Recognised for more than 40 years of service, Colin Jamieson started at Kittybrewster Mart in 1983. He has been a key figure in the machinery and car sales and has served as Thainstone’s tractor driver for 15 years. Colin also represents the Group throughout the summer show season across the North and North East, as well as Orkney.
Completing this year’s honours with over 40 years’ service, Sandy Morrison began at Huntly Mart in 1984 before moving to Thainstone in the early 1990s. Known for his exceptional livestock knowledge, Sandy has long supported the cattle sales while also managing his own full-time farming commitments.
John Angus, Head of Livestock at Aberdeen & Northern Marts said: “Recognising six long-standing members of staff and their remarkable milestones with the Group is a real privilege. It is especially rewarding to celebrate more than 260 years of dedicated and loyal service in one room.
"ANM relies on a wide range of talents and skill sets, both customer facing or behind the scenes, and these presentations are a great opportunity to thank the people who have long played an integral part in our success. On behalf of ANM, I extend our sincere thanks for their service and unwavering commitment over the last five decades.”
From left, Grant Rogerson, Jane Mitchell, Dave Green, and Mike Macaulay.
The event also marked the retirement of two long-standing ANM Board members.
The first presentation recognised Jane Mitchell, who will retire from the board in January after being co-opted to the Board in January 2016 and bringing more than 30 years’ of experience in the agricultural and finance sector. The second presentation recognised Dave Green, a well know figure in the North East for his expertise in both the agricultural and commercial sectors. Dave retired as Deputy Vice Chairman earlier this year following the AGM in April.
Grant Rogerson, Chief Executive of ANM Group said: “Jane and Dave have each made a tremendous contribution to the board over many years, and their commitment to the Group has been unwavering. They have offered sound judgement, steady guidance and a deep understanding of both our business and the sectors we operate in. I am very grateful for the support they have shown during their time on the Board, and on behalf of the Group I thank them both for their dedication and service.
"I would also like to extend my congratulations and sincere thanks to all our long-service recipients each of whom has made an outstanding contribution to ANM over many decades.”