ABERDEENSHIRE’s Kenny McCurdie has been named Scotland’s top groundsman for the seventh time in eleven years.

However, McCurdie last night claimed an eighth success has been put on hold as his ground recovers from sabotage.

The square at ‘Shire’s Mannofield suffered serious damage when vandals spread powerful poison late last year.

Now the recovery process has been hampered by the bizarre spring weather.

McCurdie said: “I had been hoping for a mild March and last week it looked as if my prayers had been answered.

“But we’ve gone from 22 degrees seven days ago to snow and freezing temperatures now.

“The seed had started to grow but two nights of frost has checked it back.”

The Aberdeen venue is due to host three Scotland internationals in July and McCurdie added: “At the moment it’s too early to say whether we’ll be ready.

“I’ll certainly need milder weather in May so that the second phase of seeding comes through stronger.

“It’s great to win the groundsman of the year award again but, looking at the square today, there’s no way I’ll get it again this season!”

Arbroath’s Lochlands ground, which staged the Scottish Cup final for the first time, was runner-up in the annual awards.