Tributes have been paid to the long serving Stewartry secretary of NFU Scotland.
Mickey Coutts, who passed away on February 14, was based in the Castle Douglas office for 36 years until his retirement two years ago.
He started with NFU Scotland and NFU Mutual in 1985, helping his father for six years before fully taking over on his father’s retirement in 1991.
In 2007, Mickey was the inaugural winner of the union’s prestigious Miskelly award, which recognises outstanding service to Scottish farming communities and the NFU.
Mickey’s dedication and commitment were instrumental in helping those struck or severely restricted by foot and mouth in 2001, going on to assist many members to get through BSE, salmonella in eggs and the Stranraer port protests, all the while ensuring the union’s activities reflected members’ interests.
Former NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick, who farms at Barnbackle near Lochfoot, said: “I got to know Mickey through my involvement with NFU Scotland. Mickey was a brilliant mentor, he had basically seen it all over the years and developed a clear sense of what was right.
“He dealt with the beef crisis, milk crisis, foot and mouth, BSE, storms, floods, and people’s personal challenges. Through all this and more, the members could turn to Mickey and know they would get a down to earth and knowledgeable opinion.
“He was, quite rightly, the first ever recipient of the Miskelly Award from NFU Scotland, recognising the outstanding work he was doing for the membership.
“There was no doubt that if he thought I was being an idiot he would tell me and do it in a way that didn’t make me feel like an idiot. I don’t believe that this service was exclusive to me!
“He was a gifted communicator built on his extensive experience across many walks of life.
“Many members will be able to relate their own stories of how Mickey was there for them and not just in his business role.
“He was a man of many parts including a special constable, pipe band member and charity trustee.
“In all these things, he was there for the community and was helping others quietly and modestly.
“He had a wicked sense of humour and was good company in any social setting, yet was a no nonsense highly respected businessman at the same time.
Mickey’s funeral will take place in Castle Douglas Parish Church at 11am on Wednesday, March 1.
