The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Union’ s chief quits after 11 years in role
Scotland’s farmers’ union is without a chief executive after the sudden resignation of Scott Walker. In a short statement on social media, Mr Walker announced: “After 11 years as chief executive at NFU Scotland it is time for a change.
“I wish all the staff well at NFUS and I know that I leave behind a lot of excellent people who have a strong passion for what they do.”
Mr Walker, who has been employed by the union for almost 30 years, was not available for further comment, and neither union president Martin Kennedy nor the NFUS press office responded to requests for information on who is now leading the organisation.
Mr Walker’s resignation follows the departure of a significant number of headquarters staff in the last 12 months and comes just three months before possible changes to the presidential line-up of Mr Kennedy and vicepresidents Andrew Connon and Robin Traquair.
Just last week Mr Walker was calling for nominations to the key roles and gave no indication he intended to leave his own post.
He said: “The job of electing those who will fill our presidential seat and the two vice-presidential posts is now under way and we invite applications from those keen to lead NFUS and represent the Scottish farming industry. If potential candidates want to learn about what the roles entail, I am able to provide a full explanation of what is expected of a vice-president and president.
“For those keen to represent their fellow Scottish farmers and crofters, these are the most respected and influential positions in our sector.”
However, last night Mr Walker’s name was no longer on the NFUS website.
The application period for the presidential and vice-presidential roles will close at 5pm on Monday December 12 and the union’s annual meeting will be held in Glasgow on February 9.