Background
Dick was born on Christmas Day 1922, the fifth child of Dorothy and Rae Harrison.
Rae was an auctioneer and in charge of Harrison and Hetherington's mart at the Sands, in Dumfries.
Dick always took an interest in wildlife, farming and auctioneering and went along with his Dad, to help out at the mart as soon as he was able. He officially joined the family firm in 1939 and had a very successful career.
Dick encouraged and supported innovation and diversification and during his time at Harrison & Hetherington the firm moved into areas as varied as farm implements, car auction and printing. Dick's skill as an auctioneer, business acumen and commitment to farming were recognized in a number of ways; both locally and nationally. He was awarded the Blamire Medal in 1987, for his services to agriculture.
Although "meetings" were not his natural habitat, he was passionate about agriculture and served on a number of national committees including the Livestock Auctioneers Market Committee.
A Trust was established on the death of Dick Harrison to help people wishing to pursue careers as livestock auctioneers and land agents. The Trust was initially funded through donations by Harrison and Hetherington Limited , Mr Harrisons wife Lily Harrison (long time Trustee but now Patron of the Trust) and the farming and rural community.
The objects of the Trust are to provide education and training by awarding grants for fees or maintenance to persons who are desirous of training (whether at an educational establishment or otherwise) in livestock auctioneering and/or rural estate management. Support by way of financial assistance would take the form of books, equipment or grants towards travel arrangements.
The Trust has charitable status with limited funds and can only support those people whose needs are greatest.
Applications for support are invited from persons who meet the above criteria and who were born in Scotland or the Counties of Cumbria, or Northumberland, or who are (or whose parents or guardians are) at the time of the award resident in any of these places.
