Steve Bracken, right, receives his award from Sainsbury's chief executive Mike Coupe. Photo: Sainsbury's.

I didn’t know Sainsbury’s had a surprise in store - Bracken

Former Marine Harvest Scotland business support manager Steve Bracken has said he was both surprised and delighted to receive a lifetime achievement award from supermarket chain Sainsbury’s this week.

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Bracken, who retired earlier this year after more than 41 years with the fish farmer, had been invited to the Sainsbury’s Farming Conference at the QEII Centre in London by the supermarket chain’s aquaculture and fisheries manager, Ally Dingwall.

But he had no idea that it was going to be anything more than a enjoyable day out.

“When Ally said come down I thought it was great because I really enjoy farming conferences,” said Bracken.

“I didn’t know it (the award) was going to happen. I was really taken aback, delighted to be recognised by Sainsbury’s.

“It is in recognition of the close working relationship we have had for more than a decade, but also recognised my 41 years in the salmon industry.

“It was a very nice thing to have received. I’m flattered and honoured, really chuffed.”

It is the second unexpected award for Bracken this year. In May he was given a surprise presentation by RSPCA Assured to recognise the work he’d contributed and help he had given in the 16 years the scheme has been running.

Bracken retired as the longest-serving employee of Marine Harvest, a title he will arguably always have if the company’s proposal to change its name to Mowi is approved by shareholders next month.