Unsung Hero
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The Winner
Flora Corbett
Flora Corbett has devoted the last 15 years, on a voluntary basis, to the Mull Slaughterhouse. As Chair she has helped safeguard a vital local facility, that underpins small-scale farming across Mull, Argyll, and the Highlands and Islands. This has included steering the abattoir through funding crises, regulatory challenges, and near closures. With a deep respect for people, animals and place, Flora has ensured local farmers retain access to humane, and sustainable processing.
The Unsung Hero of the Year Awards 2025 was collected by John and Joanne MacInnes from the Isle of Iona, on behalf of Flora Corbett, the Award recipient.
Runners up
2025 Winner
Sandy Paul
The Unsung Hero Award was presented to Sandy Paul, who recently retired after 46 years of service with the Ross family of Strichen Mains. Employed in all aspects of the business before latterly taking on the role of lorry driver, Sandy’s dedication, knowledge and skill as a haulier was commended.
Past Winners
2023 Unsung Hero: John Copland
The Unsung Hero award was won by Orkney Auction Mart’s retired auctioneer and manager John Copland who has dedicated half a century to serving the island’s agricultural community. Brought up on a beef and sheep farm in Harray, John started as an auctioneer at the mart in 1969. Before taking over the reins as manager from Gordon Muir in 1994. John has not only been involved in the running of the mart in that time but has taken on various committee roles in agricultural and sports organisations, and for more than 40 years was the commentator at both the Dounby and County shows, having been a steward ten years beforehand.
2023 Unsung Hero: John Copland
The Unsung Hero award was won by Orkney Auction Mart’s retired auctioneer and manager John Copland who has dedicated half a century to serving the island’s agricultural community. Brought up on a beef and sheep farm in Harray, John started as an auctioneer at the mart in 1969. Before taking over the reins as manager from Gordon Muir in 1994. John has not only been involved in the running of the mart in that time but has taken on various committee roles in agricultural and sports organisations, and for more than 40 years was the commentator at both the Dounby and County shows, having been a steward ten years beforehand.
