Young Aberdeen & Northern Marts trainee auctioneers have become Associates as they continue their studies on one of the top courses in the country.

Fraser Chapman, Gemma Duguid and Andrew Gunn are training to become fully qualified auctioneers with Aberdeen & Northern Marts and are currently studying Livestock Market Operations and Management at Harper Adams University. Having completed the first 2 years of their course the three budding auctioneers have become Associates of the Institute of Auctioneers Appraiser in Scotland (IAAS).

Based at Thainstone, Fraser is now integral to the auctioneering team with a weekly slot selling cast cows and cast ewes. He also assists the monthly implement sales as well as auctioneering at both Quoybrae and Lerwick as and when required. His non-sale duties include canvasing a wide portfolio of customer and understand the importance of servicing customer requirements.

Andrew and Gemma are Manager and Assistant Manager at Quoybrae Mart in Caithness operating in a widespread community, they understand the requirement of being recognised as part of the local community, building and maintaining relationships alongside hosting regular livestock sales.

The course Livestock Market Operations and Management Courses at Harper Adams University is supported by the Scottish Institute, along with the Livestock Auctioneers Association in England as a way of providing the chance for budding auctioneers to improve their knowledge and reputation within the industry. Students become Associates after completing their first 2 years of study and on competition of the course are awarded with their Fellowship and become fully qualified auctioneers.

Aberdeen & Northern Marts, a division of members-owned co-operative ANM Group, are committed to growing the next generation of auctioneers and have seen a number of young auctioneers qualifying from the course.

Robin Anderson, Head of Strategic Development at Aberdeen & Northern Marts, said “It is great to see Fraser, Gemma and Andrew all making good progress in their studies and achieving their Associate awards. We have always been extremely proud of the professionalism of our auctioneers and the course at Harper Adams alongside on the job training allows our team to offer the best possible service in the ring and on farm. A huge thanks must go to Harper Adams and the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers for providing such a well-rounded course.”

Alan Hutcheon, President of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland said “Well done Fraser, Gemma and Andrew, it is great to see these trainee auctioneers doing well in their course and becoming Associates. It is vital for auction companies to invest in the next generation of auctioneers and the course at Harper Adams is a fantastic support providing key industry knowledge. I would encourage anyone thinking of becoming an auctioneer to get in touch with your local auction company to discuss your options.”