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The overseer of the Carse Gray Estate in Angus for 25 years, who is now due to retire, has been recognised with a Long Service Award.

Ernie Crighton was presented with the honour at Cortachy Highland Games by Lord Airlie.

The long service awards, led by Scottish Land & Estates, are designed to honour employees who have made an outstanding contribution to a rural business.

Carse Gray Estate in Angus is a mixed landholding, with a wide range of arable crops being grown by farming tenants as well as by the substantial in-hand farming operation.

Ernie said: “It has been a great pleasure working here at Carse Gray for all these years.

“We have felt very much part of the estate community throughout and will hold precious memories having raised our families here too.”

James Gray-Cheape, of Carse Gray Estate, said: “For almost 25 years, Ernie’s dedication, calm leadership and good humour have shaped Carse Gray.

“He joined us with immense forestry knowledge and he also has practical wisdom and a true countryman’s spirit.

“Under his care, the gardens have flourished, the grounds have thrived and standards have never slipped.

“It has certainly not been all plain sailing during this period.  Ernie joined the Gray-Cheape family in 2001, during the foot and mouth crisis and since then he has had to contend with storms Arwen, Corrie, Malik and Babet, each devastating the woodlands.

“He has met with every disaster with the same quiet resilience, patience and hard work.

“Her has been the heartbeat of day-to-day life on the estate.  We wish him a very happy and peaceful retirement.”

Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “I would like to add my congratulations, on behalf of Scottish Land & Estates, to Ernie for his incredible Commitment and dedication over a quarter of a century.

“Carse Gray is renowned for its superb gardens and woodland – it is a wonderful legacy for future generations to enjoy.

This article appeared in The Courier on 23 August 2025