Mearns farmer proves he's king of the neeps
A Laurencekirk farmer has taken first place in Fettercairn Farmers' Club's annual turnip competition. David Swanston, of Pert Farm, Laurencekirk, collected a trophy for his efforts. His winning neeps weighed in at 41.98 tonnes.

Mr Swanston, who has 10 acres of turnips, said: "This is the fourth year I have entered. I actually won it the first year, and then got a second and a third place over the course of the next two years."

Mr Swanston said: "It's a competition, but it's really just about having a good laugh and a carry-on. It's quite well known locally - if you mention it then everybody laughs."

Second place was taken by Bob Myles, of Dalbog, Edzell, and third was Sandy strachan, of Clohie, Glen Lethnot.

They took the positions with neeps weighing in at 37.05 tonnes and 35.62 tonnes respectively.

Written by Claire Lowe