Three agricultural professionals from Shetland, Strathaven, and Lockerbie progress Three finalists have been announced for the AgriScot Business Skills Award 2026. Katrina Coutts from Shetland, Alison Hamilton from Strathaven, and Robert Sloan from Lockerbie were chosen following their success in semi-final heats at the weekend. Now in its 16th year, the award recognises agricultural professionals between 18 and 25 years old. The competition is kindly sponsored by Virgin Money, organised by SRUC, and supported by SAYFC.

Participants have the chance to win £1,000, along with access to career and financial mentoring and networks. The two runners-up will each receive £250. All three finalists have undertaken their agricultural studies at SRUC. Alison and Robert are currently studying for their Degree in Agriculture at SRUC Barony campus. Katrina has recently graduated with a 1st class honours degree from SRUC Aberdeen Campus and now works as an Agricultural Consultant with SAC Consulting. Alison Hamilton, from the South region, has represented Scotland internationally in sports and won the Scottish Junior Curling Championships. She has also been part of stock judging teams with the young farmers and represented SRUC at the Paris International Agricultural Show. Robert Sloan, also from the South region, is an active member of his local young farmers club, representing them at the national dairy cattle dressing finals. He looks after his own pedigree cows.

Katrina Coutts, from the North region, comes from a crofting background on Shetland and enjoys playing hockey and taking advantage of Young Farmers visits and tours. Alison Hamilton stated, “By participating in this year’s competition, I hope to gain more knowledge about the business side to the agricultural industry and push myself out my usual place of comfort.” Robert Sloan commented, “My goal is to run a farming business in the future. This competition is helping me to improve my business skills and challenge me on what I have learned at college.” 

Alison Hamilton and Robert Sloan (Credit: AgriScot)

Katrina Coutts said: “The Business Skills Competition is pushing me out my comfort zone, developing my business skills, and helping make me new contacts within the agricultural industry. I entered the competition after hearing about this year’s theme, as it aligns perfectly with what I am seeing at work just now.” Tying in with AgriScot’s 25th Anniversary, this year’s theme asked candidates: “What should be the top priority for Scottish agriculture over the next 25 years, and how can the industry achieve it?” 

The finalists impressed the judges with their responses. Stephen Buchan, Head of Agriculture for Scotland at Virgin Money and one of this year’s judges, said: “The standard of this year’s candidates has once again been hugely encouraging. This competition gives young people an opportunity to voice their ideas, think strategically and demonstrate their business knowledge. Hearing their responses and seeing the enthusiasm they bring gives us real confidence in the next generation of Scottish agriculture.” 

He added: “It also challenges them to look beyond the day-to-day demands of farming and consider the planning and financial decisions that underpin a successful business. These are skills that will serve them well throughout their careers. At Virgin Money, we are committed to supporting Scottish agriculture and the young people who will take it forward. Through mentoring the finalists, we want to build their confidence and help them recognise their ability to succeed in the industry. Congratulations to Katrina, Alison and Robert.” 

Competition coordinator and former Business Skills Award winner Heather Kerr from SRUC explained that they were looking for candidates with a broad understanding of running a farming enterprise and the economics behind production. These candidates needed to apply that financial knowledge to key priorities facing Scottish farming and understand the steps needed to achieve them. Kerr added that beyond the prize money, the real value lies in networking and building business skills, from meeting farmers and bank representatives to receiving individual mentoring. 

She noted the high number of entries this year demonstrates the value of holding such a competition. The Business Skills Award final will take place at AgriScot on Wednesday 18 November. The winner will be awarded £1,000 in prize money.