Years earlier Mr Taylor had broken his back whilst working but his stubborn determination to see Dunphail safe, over 25 gruelling days, outweighed his own personal considerations. Mr Ewing, who lost his seat at the 2026 Holyrood election after serving Badenoch and Strathspey for 26 years was honoured for his unstinting advocacy for good gamekeeping and land management during a distinguished Holyrood career. Gamekeeper and friend Davie Thomson, who attended the award ceremony, said Mr Taylor had shown the essence of selfless service at Dava. Mr Ewing expressed his own admiration for Mr Taylor’s contribution to the community and warned his former SNP Government colleagues that new legislation regarding the licensing of muirburn will exacerbate wildfires. Mr Ewing said he was delighted to receive his award, adding: “Gamekeepers are the beating heart of rural Scotland.