Young Aberdeen & Northern Marts auctioneer has been awarded the M J Thomson Memorial Prize for being the top graduating student in Scotland.

Ellis Mutch, auctioneer, from Turriff in Aberdeenshire, now heads up sales in Lerwick working in partnership with Shetland Livestock Marketing Group. He recently graduated with a certificate in Higher Education in Professional studies in Livestock Market Operations and Management, from Harper Adams University.

Ellis was presented with his fellowship to the Institute of Auctioneers Appraiser (IAAS) after passing his course with the top marks. Ellis attended classes at the Harper Adams University and following a short delay during the Covid-19 pandemic, he then continued learning online before getting back to attending in-person classes.

The Scottish Institute, along with the Livestock Auctioneers Association in England support the course at Harper Adams University as a way of providing the chance for budding auctioneers to improve their knowledge and reputation within the industry.

Aberdeen & Northern Marts, a division of members-owned co-operative ANM Group, has seen a number of auctioneers qualifying from the course with the team having received several top student awards.

Top student award winner, Ellis Mutch said “I put a lot of work in, I learnt a lot and I am proud to have passed the course with an A and now be an F.I.A qualified auctioneer. Being awarded with the top student in Scotland prize is a wonderful reward for the hard work over the past 4 years. The course was excellent, I would encourage anyone to participate if granted the opportunity. I am enjoying applying my skills within the workplace and continue to support members and customers.”

Grant Rogerson, Chief Executive at ANM Group said: “We are delighted to see Ellis receiving the top student prize and completing the course, which is testament to his hard work. We have always been extremely proud of the professionalism of our auctioneers and the course at Harper Adams alongside on the job training allows our team to offer the best possible service in the ring and on farm. A huge thanks must go to Harper Adams and the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers for providing such a well-rounded course.”

Alan Hutcheon, Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers, Council Member said “Well done Ellis, it is great to see young auctioneers completing the course and being recognised for their commitment. It is vital for auction companies to invest in the next generation of auctioneers,