Graeme McIver has spent the past season producing the glossy matchday magazine at the Fairydean Rovers.

And his 28-page publications have won warm praise from both and away supporters each week.

But the Scottish Non-league Programme Awards, despite scoring Gala best in the entire country for content, pushed it down the pecking order for design.

Mr McIver told us: “As programme editor I am always looking for ways in which we can improve the standard and quality of our publication and have asked the judges to explain their decision to mark us down in the important design category.

“We were somewhat surprised to find out that our programme was not awarded higher marks for our design which we consider to be of the highest standard.

“Without appearing to be ungracious if people were to look at comparisons between ourselves and some publications which finished higher in the rankings I would leave them to make up their own minds as to which design is better.” A total of 58 clubs in the Highland, Lowland and junior leagues as well as the East and South of Scotland entered the inaugural awards.

The official Fairydean Rovers matchday programme, which features many photographs by the Border Telegraph’s Helen Barrington, was the highest scorer for content with 34.

But the 42 points for design of the £2 publication dropped it down the rankings to sixth - four points behind Buckie Thistle.

Whitehill Welfare finished second for their 44-page programme, just ahead of Fraserburgh and Ardeer Thistle.

Mr McIver added: “Everyone here at Gala Fairydean Rovers would like to offer our congratulations to Buckie Thistle for coming out on top of the 58 non-league entrants into the programme of the year awards and to Whitehill Welfare for finishing top in the Lowland League section of the contest.

“We would also like to congratulate the judges on introducing the award and for the work they have done judging the competition.

“Everyone of the entrants deserve special mention for producing these publications on a weekly basis, mainly on a shoe-string budget and often with tight deadlines. They are a labour of love and all have a unique appeal and charm.” As well as Mr McIver, the programme team at Netherdale includes Karen Galbraith, John Clayton, Robert Fairburn and Kenny Patterson.

Duns was the best of the East of Scotland entries – finishing 12th for their 16-page publication, which costs £2.

Hawick Royal Albert was joint 30th for their £1 12-page programme, while Selkirk, although the second highest content scorer behind Gala, was down in 36th for their 12-page matchday publication, which also costs £1.

Alan Heatlie’s Yarrow Park News was only introduced at the start of the Lowland League and plans are afoot for further improvements.