Angus Grant's remarkable season recognized at the Breedon Highland League awards.
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In a night filled with celebration and recognition, Angus Grant of Huntly FC was honored as the Player of the Year at the prestigious Breedon Highland League awards dinner held in Inverness. Grant’s outstanding performance throughout the season, where he scored an impressive 23 league goals and a total of 31 goals across all competitions, earned him not only the top scorer trophy but also the admiration of his peers.
A historic achievement for Huntly
At just 26 years old, Grant made history by becoming the first player from Huntly to receive the Highland League’s Player of the Year award since its inception in the 1988-89 season. Expressing his surprise at the accolade, Grant stated, “It’s a complete surprise, with the amount of talent in the league I didn’t expect to win it.” His humility shone through as he credited his teammates for their support, saying, “I can only thank my team-mates who have put me in the position to win an individual award like this.”
Manager of the year: Steven Mackay’s remarkable season
In addition to Grant’s accolades, Brora Rangers’ manager, Steven Mackay, was named Manager of the Year after leading his team to an unprecedented treble. Under his guidance, Brora Rangers clinched the Highland League title, the R Davidson (Banchory) Highland League Cup, and the North of Scotland Cup. This achievement marked a historic moment, as it was the first time since 1954 that a club had won every tournament they competed in at Highland League level in the same season. Mackay humbly acknowledged the collective effort of his coaching staff and players, stating, “It’s not about the individual, it’s about the collective.”
Young talent recognized: Jack Mitchell’s stellar performance
The awards night also celebrated the emerging talents in the league, with Jack Mitchell from Deveronvale being named Young Player of the Year. At just 18 years old, Mitchell had a standout season, contributing 13 goals and 14 assists. His reaction to winning the award was one of disbelief, as he remarked, “I’m stunned to win this award. It means a lot because it’s the players that vote for it.”
Honoring dedication and fair play
Fraserburgh FC was awarded the Fair Play Award, recognizing their commitment to sportsmanship throughout the season. Additionally, three club stalwarts received Unsung Hero Awards for their unwavering dedication to their respective clubs. Among the honored were Inverurie Locos’ historian David Fasken, Brechin City kitman Alan Grieve, and Huntly’s Jim McGregor, who has served in various roles including player, manager, and ambassador.
A legacy of service
The evening also featured a heartfelt tribute to Graham Wilson, who stepped down after 25 years of service as assistant secretary and youth secretary of the Highland League. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the league, and his dedication was celebrated by all in attendance.
