TWO Borders haulage firms have pulled away with the top two prizes at the annual Best Truck awards.

Skeldon's Transport of Duns won gold and Eric Gillie Ltd of Kelso collected silver in the Best Kept Truck category at Truckfest Scotland.

Held at the Royal Highland Showground, Truckfest Scotland is a celebration of trucks, trucking and all things to do with the vital road transport industry.

Skeldon's Ltd, established in 1984, specialise in livestock transport and general haulage.

Commenting on their gold award, which saw Skeldon’s platform body DAF CF 460hp edge out Eric Gillie’s 420 BHP G Series Scania by a short head, a delighted Derek Skeldon said: “Both ourselves and Eric Gillie Ltd have been supporting Truckfest Scotland for 20 years.

"When it comes to the Best Kept Truck Award there’s always a bit of friendly rivalry between us.

"Our drivers take a great pride in their truck. Ensuring our vehicles are kept to the very highest standards is a reflection of every aspect of our business. So it’s great to have our efforts recognised in this way.”

Eric Gillie Ltd has been trading for over 40 years and have become horse transport experts, numbering the Queen and the GB equine teams amongst their clients.

Silver award winner Michael Gillie SAID: “Our vehicles are a shop window for our business, so it makes sense to keep them looking smart.

"Our drivers take a real pride in them, often cleaning and polishing them in their own time.

"We appreciate their efforts and return the favour by making sure we always have the best, most up to date, vehicles for them to drive.”

The awards were sponsored by transport & logistics specialist recruitment company, Driver Hire Edinburgh.

Presenting the awards, Rachael McWilliams form Driver Hire Edinburgh said: “Congratulations to Skeldon’s, Eric Gillie and third placed Caledonian Logistics. It’s our first year sponsoring the awards and it’s been a great experience.

"All the vehicles looked immaculate so the judges had a really hard task when it came to selecting the winners.”