Prestigious new role for Wee County farmer
Royal Highland and Agricultural Society position
A Wee County farmer has been given a leading role in the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.
Jim Warnock, 59, from Gartfinnan Farm in Clackmannan, has been appointed chairman designate to the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.
The RHASS announced the appointment at the same time as extending its current chairman’s term and awarded two Honorary Vice President roles at the society following July’s AGM.
A farmer and managing director of JDWAgri Ltd, Jim (pictured) has been a Stirling area director at RHASS since 2010 and was appointed to the executive committee in July 2019. During this time, he has served as steward for cattle, sheep, light horse and heavy horse before being selected as chief steward of the main ring for the past five years.
Married to Irene, the couple have three children, Duncan, Calum and Kirsty who are all involved in running the family farm.
Past chairman of Stirling Young Farmers and past chairman and president of Stirling Agricultural Society, Jim has been a member of RHET Forth Valley for the past eight years delivering classroom talks, farm visits and other RHET Events.
He said: “I am honoured to hold the position of Chairman Designate at RHASS during a crucial time for the charity as it seeks to secure its future in light of recent financial challenges caused by the worldwide pandemic. I am passionate about the sector, supporting the next generation of farming leaders and bridging the gap between consumer and producer.”
The position of Chairman Designate will be in place for two years, alongside the current Chairman, Bill Gray, who will remain in his position until July 2022. Normally, the chair is a two-year appointment, however RHASS directors took a decision at the July board meeting to enable Bill to stand for a further year to 2022 in light of the cancellation of the 2020 Royal Highland Show.
Finally, Immediate Past Chair Jimmy Warnock MBE from Sandilands Farm, Lanark, and James Dunlop from Kirkcudbright, have been made Honorary Vice Presidents to reflect their significant contribution to the society and the RHASS Board. This is a 12 month appointment.