Names in the hat for top three union posts
SIX candidates will contest the top roles within National Farmers Union Scotland at the union’s forthcoming AGM and annual dinner in Glasgow early next year.
Elections for the positions of president and its two vice presidential posts will take place at the union’s council meeting at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Tuesday February 7. The union’s AGM, conference and annual dinner will be staged at the same venue the day before.
Current president Allan Bowie and sitting vice presidents Rob Livesey and Andrew McCornick will all contest the presidential position.
The two vice presidential roles will be decided between Forth and Clyde Regional chairman Tom French, Less Favoured Areas Committee chairman Martin Kennedy and Dumfries and Galloway Regional chairman Gary Mitchell.
The presidential position is held for two years and a president can serve a maximum of two consecutive two-year terms. Under the terms of the constitution, those elected to the position of vice president will initially serve for two years before the post reverts to an annual election.
A series of hustings meeting around the country will take place in January, giving members the opportunity to hear from all candidates on their priorities for the union.
Commenting on the prospect of an exciting election campaign, NFU Scotland chief executive Scott Walk- er said: ‘It is hugely encouraging for the future of NFU Scotland and indication of the strength of the organisation that such a strong line up of candidates want to be involved in the union at the highest level.
‘With Brexit decisions looming and future agricultural policy in the UK and Scotland up for debate, we need the right people in place to drive forward policies that are in the very best interests of our farmers and crofters.
‘The decision the membership must make is who should lead this union for the next 24 months as we negotiate some of the most challenging times faced by the union in its 104year history.’
The Argyll and Islands husting will take place during the regional board AGM in Stonefield Castle, Tarbert on Friday January 13.