Brooke to stand down at RHASS

Keith Brooke, who oversaw a £5 million investment in infrastructure at the Royal Highland Showground and presided over this year’s record breaking show, is to step down as chairman of the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS).

A director for 30 years, Brooke, who farms at Carscreugh near Newton Stewart, was appointed chairman in July 2016 – but while his tenure still had another year to run the society yesterday announced that he had stepped down from the top post for personal reasons.

Brooke said that it had been a great honour to hold the position, particularly during a period of significant investment in the showground which he said would generate additional funds to allow RHASS to carry out its charitable remit.

“The Royal Highland Show is very close to my heart and I am proud to have been the Chairman for what was a recordbreaking 2017 show,” he said.

Brooke, who was injured by a bull earlier in the year, paid tribute to his fellow society directors and said he looked forward to playing a continued role with the society, albeit with a significantly reduced workload which would allow him to concentrate more on his farm business.

Willie Gill, RHASS honorary secretary, added: “On behalf of RHASS, I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution Keith has made in his 30 years as director and latterly as chairman.”

While Lanark farmer Jim Warnock, Sandilands, is currently chairman designate, a final decision will be taken on the election of a new chairman at the society’s upcoming board meeting next month.