Bowie faces challenge for top job from McCornick

NFU Scotland’s serving president, Fife farmer Allan Bowie, is to be challenged for the industry’s top political job next year by one of his vice-presidents, Andrew McCornick.

Nominations are still being accepted for the positions of president and vice-president but the union has confirmed that Mr McCornick will stand against Mr Bowie for election at its annual meeting in February.

Mr Bowie will complete his first twoyear term in February and he has indicated he will be standing again.

The union’s other vicepresident, Rob Livesey, is still considering his position but two new contenders for the position have come forward.

Aberfeldy upland beef and sheep farmer Martin Kennedy has announced his intention to stand, along with Dumfries and Galloway dairy producer Gary Mitchell.

NFUS presidents can serve a maximum of two consecutive two-year terms, and 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.

Anyone wishing to stand as president or vice-president should contact NFUS chief executive Scott Walker on 0131 472 4001 or email scott.walker@nfus.org.uk to obtain a proposal form, which must then be signed and returned to him by close of play on December 12.

A full list of the candidates will be announced on December 14.

Andrew McCornick, left, and Allan Bowie.