Owners of Scottish haulier receive NFU Stalwart award

A husband and wife at the helm of a Scottish haulage company that has serviced Argyll and the Isles for more than 40 years have been recognised for their work.

Donnie and Kate McKerral received the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Stalwart award for the service they provide with their business, Peter McKerral & Co.

The company began in the mid-1970s with one lorry and has grown into a fleet of 60 HGVs and employs more than 60 staff.

The NFU said the essential service provided by the McKerrals from sites in Campbeltown, Lochgilphead and Strachur sees a long list of vital goods hauled in and out of the area including livestock, timber, fish, hay, straw, sawdust and fertiliser.

It’s a true family business, with all four of the couple’s sons, two daughter-in-laws and at least five grandchildren all involved in the haulage operation.

Presenting the award, regional chairman Duncan Mcalister said he could speak from personal experience as to the kind of man McKerral was: “When I returned home 27 years ago to a struggling family farm and a mountain of debt, Donnie was the only local business that would deal with me without wanting a cheque upfront.

“His comment to me at the time was: ‘If you work with folk, folk will work with you!’

“Donnie and his family provide a personal first-class service to the farmers of Argyll, delivering our livestock to markets whenever we require.

“Of equal importance is the list of essential goods they bring back into the region. I am told there is no such thing as a backload but am assured that, with over 60 trucks on the road, they will bring back whatever, whenever and it will never be a problem!”

McKerral said he and his wife were shocked at the award: “It was totally unexpected, but we are delighted to receive the award on behalf of the family,” he said.