Memo adds to mystery of Angus society board

The intrigue surrounding the turbulence in the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society has intensified.

An internal memo from the society to committee members confirms that Perthshire breeder David Ismail has resigned as president, but states that this was because of “personal circumstances”.

This account differs from Mr Ismail’s own statement two weeks ago when he said he resigned because of his “inability to work with the chief executive”.

Meanwhile, according to the society’s memo, the continuing absence of the chief executive, Barrie Turner, is unconnected to Mr Ismail’s departure.

The document states: “There is no link between David’s resignation and Barrie’s leave of absence. However, due to the timing of the announcement about David resigning there has been some external assumptions made.

“This is not the case.” It goes on to state that Mr Turner has been taking leave of absence since the end of October, and any inquiries he would normally handle should be directed to the breed’s development manager, Robert Gilchrist.

It adds: “There is nothing the society can comment on regarding Barrie’s leave of absence at this time.”

The document also reveals that Mr Ismail’s resignation was hushed up until after the Stirling Bull Sales in October.

“The society didn’t want to distract from the historic event happening at Stirling with the Blelack dispersal sale,” the memo states.

“The sale was a very special event in the history of the breed and the council didn’t want this to be unnecessarily overshadowed by any other society news.”

The memo concludes by advising committee members to make no comment if contacted by the media.

Since Mr Ismail’s resignation the society’s immediate past president, Alan Cheney, has been co-opted to the presidential team and will serve until the annual meeting in February when a new president will be duly elected.

Mr Cheney is being supported by the senior vice-president Angus Stovold and junior vicepresident Finlay Munro.

PRIME SPECIMENS: The Aberdeen-Angus breed has been celebrated as the world’s leader in the cattle breeding industry for centuries.

Society chief executive Barrie Turner.

Perthshire breeder David Ismail.

East Fife young farmers are calling on members to get involved in their reversible ploughing match on December 4. It will take place at Incharvie Farm, Kilconquhar KY9 1JU. For entry details or further information contact Ben Provan on 07496 805959.