Forum chief steps down

A well-known livestock farmer from Argyll has retired from his post as chairman of the Argyll and Isles Agricultural Forum after 19 years.

Angus MacFayden, who farms at Bragleenmore Farm, Kilninver, has stepped down from the role although he will still be active in the farming community through his role as chairman of NFU Scotland’s environment and land use committee.

The forum has elected Kintyre dairy farmer Sandy Pirie as its new chairman, and Bute livestock farmer John Dickson has been appointed forum vice-chairman.

Speaking on behalf of the forum, Bill Dundas,

“Given a great deal of his own time to the forum”

of the rural payments and inspections division in Oban, paid tribute to Mr MacFayden.

He said: “Angus has given a great deal of his owntime to theforumto secure a better future for Argyll’s agricultural sector over the last 19 years and it has been greatly appreciated.”

Mr MacFayden was not the only forum member to retire at the last meeting – Fergus Younger, who joined the forum in 2006, has also stepped down to take on a full-time role at the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society.

Mr Dundas said: “On behalf of the farming community inArgyll and the islands and the other forum members, I thank both Fergus and Angus for the valuable contribution they have made.”