A TOTAL of three Borders farms are in the running for major agricultural awards.

Firth Farm near Melrose, Sharpitlaw near Kelso and Swinside Townfoot near Jedburgh have all been shortlisted for the AgriScot Awards.

Rob, Kath and Iain Livesey's Firth Farm have been named as finalists in the AgriScot Scotch Beef Farm of the Year Award alongside finalists from Shetland and New Abbey.

Kevin Stewart's Sharpitlaw and Peter and Vicki Hedley's Swinside Townfoot Farm are both finalists in the AgriScot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year Award.

The aim of both awards is to showcase excellence in the production of livestock in Scotland and raise the profile of the dedication and stock management skills.

Douglas Bell, QMS Director of Strategic Engagement, said: “The quality of applicants for this year’s award are indicative of the world class farming operations we have here in Scotland, fuelled by individuals with passion for what they do.

"It has been great to get out on farm this week and join my fellow assessors to first-hand their dedication to producing high-quality, Scotch Beef PGI.”

As well as Mr Bell, the assessors for the Beef Farm of the Year award were Robert Neill and Niall Jeffrey.

Hamish Dykes, Kate Rowell and Neil McGowan judged the sheep farms.

The winner of each award will receive a £500 cheque as well as a £250 voucher to celebrate their success at a Scotch Beef Club restaurant.