The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) has awarded three gold medals, three silver medals and one certificate of commendation under its Technical Innovation Award scheme for 2015.
The gold awards, which are presented for continuous outstanding merit to a previous silver medal winner, have gone to: David Ritchie (Implements) Ltd in Forfar, for its Combi Clamp; I.C.E Comfort Slat Mats in Dublin, for its Comfort Slat Mat; and RGS Forfar Ltd in Forfar, for its ScanStone stone separator.
The Silver Medal winning Octa-Quad Bale Handling System, manufactred by Murray Machinery
David Ritchie (Implements) Ltd.’s ‘Combi Clamp’ is a New Zealand designed (Wayne Coffrey), UK manufactured, sheep handling implement used for dagging, drenching, vaccinating, tagging and foot trimming of sheep and goats. This labour saving device allows the sheep to run up the race to the clamp to be at a convenient height to carry out the required tasks without any back-breaking, manhandling of the sheep.
I.C.E Comfort Slat’s ‘Comfort Slat Mat’, invented and manufactured by the company, is the only patented mat in the world that addresses both animal welfare and the environment. The Comfort Slat Mat Green Floor System reduces cattle lameness, increases weight gain, increases milk yield, is hard wearing and the floor is cleaner and dryer than with any other mat.
RGS Forfar Ltd.’s ‘ScanStone Open Fronted Stone Separator’, invented by Gordon Skea and Gary Rae and manufactured by RGS Forfar, is an open front system, which has large front intake discs, which are hydraulically controlled. This allows a consistent feed in of soil, which in turn allows the machine to deliver high output particularly in dry conditions. Specific engineering and design features on the position of the webs and share make the ScanStone Open Front the machine that it is today.
The three Silver medals have been award to: McVeigh Parker & Co Ltd, Biggar, for the ‘Clipex Fence’, a quick clip all steel post that is the latest innovation in stock fencing; Murray Machinery Ltd in Ellon for its ‘Octa-Quad Bale Handling System’, a bale handling system that transports twelve big round bales or six big square bales fully mounted on any large tractor; and a recently launched product from SoilEssentials Ltd, Brechin, the ‘Essentials Root Yield’, which allows growers to measure and yield map root crops accurately and easily.
Lastly, a certificate of commendation has been awarded to McAllisters of Patrickson, for its Wombat Pot Hole Repairing Machine, designed to repair Tarmac and also gravel type farm and forest roads. It has the ability to be mounted as a hydraulic attachment to backhoe excavators, agricultural tractors and skid steer loaders.
As always, the awards – sponsored by the Hillhouse Quarry Group Ltd, which has just signed up for a further three years of sponsorship – attracted a high number of entries. With a remit to reward innovation in the design and manufacture of machines, equipment and appliances, the awards are the oldest presented by the RHASS, which gave its first “premium” for an implement in 1793 to a “new-invented plough of an improved construction adapted for the culture of Highland farms.”
Commenting on the quality of the entries, RHASS Chief Steward John Mackie said: “There is no doubt that these awards are held in high esteem judging by the impressive number of quality entries received again this year. The Society is delighted to be in a position to award medals and commendations to these companies who have demonstrated commitment to innovation and design. We wish them well.”
Panel members were: C J Shepherd, J G Dunlop, R J Maitland, A C Stewart, J D McWilliam and W T Arnott
WINNERS LIST
Gold Award:
Exhibitor: David Ritchie (Implements) Ltd, Carseview Road, Forfar, Angus, DD8 3BT
Item entered: Combi Clamp
Invented by: Wayne Coffey, New Zealand
Manufactured by: David Ritchie (Implements) Ltd.
Exhibitor: I.C.E Comfort Slat Mats
Item entered: Comfort Slat Mat
Invented by: I.C.E. Comfort Slat Mats
Manufactured by: I.C.E. Comfort Slat Mats
Exhibitor: RGS Forfar Ltd
Item entered: ScanStone “Open Front” stone separator
Invented by: Gordon Skea & Gary Rae
Manufactured by: RGS Forfar Ltd
Silver Award:
Exhibitor: McVeigh Parker & Co Ltd., Market Road, Biggar, South Lanarkshire, ML12 6FX
Item entered: Clipex Fence
Invented by: Ashley Olsson
Manufactured by: Clipex
Exhibitor: Murray Machinery Ltd, Dinneswood, Tarves, Ellon, Aberdeenshire.
Item entered: The Octa-Quad Bale Handling System
Invented by: Murray Machinery Ltd,
Manufactured by: Murray Machinery Ltd
Exhibitor: Soilessentials Ltd, Hilton of Fern, By Brechin. Angus
Item entered: Essentials Root Yield
Invented by: Greentronics/Soilessentials
Manufactured by: Greentronics
Certificate of Commendation:
Exhibitor: McAllisters of Patrickston, Southernwood, Manse Brae, Gargunnock. Stirling. FK8 3BQ
Item entered: Wombat, Pot Hole Repairing Machine
Invented by: Robert McAllister
Manufactured by: J L Steel
