It’s the second year for the Pride of the Park awards, celebrating the best of farming and equestrian in the Cairngorms National Park, and this year a domestic category has been added.

At yesterday’s Grantown Show – with the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) as one of the main sponsors – the 2014 Pride of the Park winners celebrated their success with Steven Duncan winning the sheep section; Michael Robertson with his cattle; and Judy Drummond with her horse. And for the first time, a Pride of the Park award was presented in the domestic category, it went to Irene Galasso for her efforts

The Cairngorms National Park is home to some of the highest quality farming in the UK and it contributes approximately £42million a year to the Park’s economy and around 900 jobs.  The area also produces some of the country’s finest food and drink as a result.

Recipients of the awards were chosen by the Show’s judges and were presented with their prizes by Grant Moir, the CNPA Chief Executive.

The winners were presented with rosettes and various prizes provided by Newtonmore Riding Centre, Glenlivet Distillery, Cairngorm Brewery, Strathspey Steam Railway and the Carrbridge Hotel.

Grant Moir said: “We are delighted to support the Grantown Show and in particular the Pride of the Park awards. The quality of livestock, horses and other exhibits at the Grantown Show is testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved. A healthy farming industry is crucial to the Cairngorms National Park not just for our economy but for our landscapes and wildlife too.”