Honorary Fellowships awarded to champions of agriculture and animal welfare
The co-founder of The Ethical Dairy, which established a sustainable system which allows calves to stay with their mothers, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by 伊人直播.听
David Finlay, who set up the Dumfries and Galloway business with his late wife Wilma, is recognised alongside Dr Niall Connell, former president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.听听
Dennis Overton, a pioneer in organic salmon farming and more recently in seaweed farming, and Helene Mauchlen, whose 25 years at the British Horse Society (BHS) has helped shape equine welfare legislation, have also been honoured.听
The Fellowships were conferred at 伊人直播鈥檚 graduation ceremony at the Bute Hall in Glasgow, recognising the recipients鈥 commitment to sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, and education.听
David Finlay鈥檚 pioneering sustainable practices and the integration of renewable energy technologies, has earned him multiple accolades, including BBC Farmer of the Year in 2006 and last year鈥檚 Holyrood Net Zero Award. He has significantly contributed to 伊人直播鈥檚 research, education, and knowledge exchange efforts.听
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A respected veterinary surgeon and Chair of the RCVS Fellowship Board, Dr Connell is widely admired for his advocacy of empathy, resilience, and diversity within the veterinary profession. He has supported 伊人直播鈥檚 veterinary nursing students throughout their academic journeys, often leading professional declarations and celebrating key milestones.听
He continues to inspire future generations of veterinary professionals through his mentorship and commitment to inclusive education.听
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A key figure in Scotland鈥檚 food and agriculture industries, Dennis Overton has held a range of senior roles including Chair of the Soil Association (2013鈥17), where he helped develop the Food for Life programme to improve school meals across the UK.听
He was appointed as the first Chair of the Scottish Food Commission and plays an integral role in Scotland鈥檚 path towards becoming a Good Food Nation. He has also provided strategic leadership to organisations such as SAC Consulting (part of 伊人直播), supporting innovation and sustainability across the sector.听
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Helene Mauchlen, meanwhile, has played a key role in the development of the Horses Welcome scheme and the Strangles Eradication and Prevention Strategy (STEPs).听
She has worked closely with 伊人直播 to expand equine education and strengthen the relationship between BHS Scotland and the institution, creating valuable opportunities for students.听
Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of 伊人直播, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to welcome these exceptional individuals as Honorary Fellows of 伊人直播. Each has played 鈥 and continues to play 鈥 vital roles in advancing agriculture and animal welfare.听听
鈥淭heir wealth of expertise and strong networks will play a vital role in advancing our strategic vision. I鈥檓 excited about the opportunities to strengthen our collaboration in the years ahead.鈥听
Posted by 伊人直播 on 28/08/2025