The Howie Surgener Cup was awarded during the 20th an – nual Poultry Club of Scotland Celebratory dinner which has meanwhile become an annual tradition. This year’s re – cipient of the prestigious Howie and Surgenor Cup for outstanding contribution to the Scottish Poultry industry, Mr. David Scott, has had a major impact in the development of the layer sector in Scot – land and the UK and Ireland. Throughout his long and illustrious career, he has demonstrated excellence and perfection. Without his drive, energy and enthusiasm he could never have achieved his success and recognition in the poultry industry. By having such an extensive knowledge of many aspects of the poultry sector, he has used his skills to develop a nationally respected and market leading brand.

Personal Background

Born and raised in Edinburgh, he was educated at George Heriots School. His first job was at Auchincruive agricultural college , com – pleting a detailed research project about broilers. It involved him assessing the amount of meat on the bird’s carcass, stripping flesh off and weighing it – not for the faint of heart.

In 1986 Ross Poultry based in Inverurie approached Auchincru – ive looking for a farm manager and highly recommended him for the position which he was offered and accepted. During his time with Ross Poultry, Robin Johnson and Norrie Semple played a key role in his development and his understanding of poultry and the poultry business. For the next few years he continued to work hard for Ross Poultry and by 1992 he had been promoted to area farms manager. He then went on to co-ordinate a project building a pa – cking station in Inverurie. At this time Lohmann Tierzucht were on the lookout for a franchise company to sell their Lohmann Brown bird and so Ross Poultry took this on. They then required someone to manage the laying farms and hatchery based in Worcestershire.

He was given the opportunity to relocate to Worcester to manage the laying farms and the hatchery at Martin Hussingtree. Robin Johnson who was MD of Ross Poultry at this time suggested he take his family down to Worcestershire for a couple of weekends to see if the family really wanted to locate. After a great deal of soul searching, they decided to make the move which was a long way from home. So in October 1992 David Scott and his family relocated south of the border. In 2004, Hills Down Holdings who owned Ross Poultry moved their layers division to another company within their holdings. The managing directors of Ross Poultry at the time, Steve Donson and John Sabberton bought out and formed a new company called Poultry First. David put all his savings he had into the business and Lohmann GB was created in 2001.

In 2008, Steve and John retired from Lohmann GB and David became managing director forming a partnership with the Wesjo – hann group, owners of Lohmann Tierzucht. In the same year, David completed a charity bike ride across the Bealach Moore and also developed a keen interest in sailing around the Scottish islands.

In October 2012 Lohmann GB sold their landmark 100 millionth day old chick – a tremendous achievement to be very proud of. The business has gone from strength to strength under the excellent leadership and strategic direction of David Scott.

As well as a leading supplier of day old chicks, Lohmann also can credit themselves with providing hens for the flu vac – cine and recently developing the broiler breeder aspect.

Pieter-Jan Luykx with the friendly assistance of Lohmann GB