The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Team appointed to lead SAYFC’s east
The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) has appointed a new top team to lead its east region.
At the area’s recent annual general meeting, East Lothian JAC member James Kennedy was elected as chairman for the year ahead, taking over the reins from Jillian Kennedy of Aberfeldy and District JAC.
Clubs and members in the region were also recognised for their hard work throughout the year with various awards presented.
James said he was “very excited” to be stepping into the east chairman role.
He said: “I have very big boots to fill, however, I’m looking forward to engaging and working with all members across the region, from the Scottish Borders to Angus, to ensure that we deliver exactly what they want and that their voices are heard.”
James will be supported by the region’s new vicechairwoman Lucy Orr of West Fife YFC.
“I look forward to working with my new vicechair Lucy, staff member Emily Simpson and the whole of the east region committee as we jump straight into the new year,” he added.
“We have an array of events and competitions planned, with one of the highlights being the rally which is heading to East Lothian this year.”
Lucy is equally delighted to be taking on one of the top roles in the organisation and says she has been looking forward to carrying out the position for quite some time.
She said SAYFC is a fantastic organisation to be a part of and that it has given her and many others a whole range of opportunities.
Over the last 12 months, many clubs in the east region have thrived and witnessed an increase in participation, especially among junior members.
Clubs have committed to providing more educational meetings in their syllabus and are working to raise funds for charities such as RSABI, RHET and SAYFC.
Strathmore JAC were announced the winners of the recruitment award, with Brechin YFC in second and East Lothian third.
The participation award was won by Strathearn JAC with 82 points, followed by Aberfeldy & District JAC in second place with 72 points and Bathgate JAC third with 62 points.
Aberfeldy & District JAC were crowned the winners of the east region’s Club of the Year for 2024, with Strathmore JAC in second and Kinross JAC third.
The top two clubs from the Club of the Year competition will now compete at national level, with the results announced at the Royal Highland Show.
Committee members for 2024/25 in the east region are: Glen Barclay, Jordan Barclay, Caitlin Barie, Courtney Bell, Caroline Cook, Leanne Corbitt, Mhairi Dalgleish, Jocelyn Erskine, Emma Gray, Rosie Hamilton, Gordon Heatlie, Lachlan Jones, Adam Marshall, Anna McDiarmid, Mark Ogg, John Paton, Leigh Rennie, Lois Scott, Cameron Smith and outgoing chairwoman Jillian Kennedy.