A MONTH from now, the council of the National Farmers Union Scotland will gather in Glasgow to vote in elections for the positions of its president and two vice presidents – and with six candidates contesting the top roles, it promises to be an exciting contest.
Current president Allan Bowie and sitting vice presidents Rob Livesey and Andrew McCornick are all vying for the presidential position.
The two vice presidential roles will be decided between Forth and Clyde regional chairman Tom French, Less Favoured Areas committee chairman Martin Kennedy and Dumfries and Galloway regional chairman Gary Mitchell.
Over the course of January, starting this week, a series of hustings meeting will take place around the country, giving members the opportunity to hear from all these candidates on their priorities for the union.
The election will then take place at the union’s council meeting at Glasgow's Radisson Hotel on Tuesday February 7, after the union’s AGM, conference and annual dinner is staged at the same venue the day beforehand.
Union chief executive Scott Walker said: “It is hugely encouraging for the future of NFU Scotland and indication of the strength of the organisation that such a strong line up of candidates want to be involved in the union at the highest level. 
“With Brexit decisions looming and future agricultural policy in the UK and Scotland up for debate, we need the right people in place to drive forward policies that are in the very best interests of our farmers and crofters. These are exciting times for all involved in our industry and I urge all members to take the opportunity to hear from our candidates as they travel round the country next month.  
“The decision the membership must make is who should lead this union for the next 24 months as we negotiate some of the most challenging times faced by the union in its 104-year history.”  

The dates, times and venues for the forthcoming hustings events are as follows:

  • Tuesday, January 10 – Forth and Clyde region – Garfield House Hotel, Stepps, at 7.30pm;
  • Wednesday January 11 –    Highland region – Dingwall Auction Mart, at 7pm;
  • Thursday January 12 – East Central region – Huntingtower Hotel, Perth, at 7.30pm;
  • Friday January 13 – Argyll and Islands region – Stonefield Castle, Tarbert, at 11am;
  • Monday January 16 – Ayrshire region – Dumfries House Home Farm, Cumnock, at 11am;
  • Monday January 16 – Dumfries and Galloway region – Douglas Arms, Castle Douglas, at 7.30pm;
  • Tuesday January 17 – Lothian and Borders region – The Lodge, Carfraemill, at 7.30pm;
  • Wednesday January 18 – North East region – Porterhouse, Thainstone Centre, at 7pm;
  • Thursday January 19 – Orkney, Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall, at 7.30pm;
  • Friday January 20 – Shetland, Shetland Hotel, Lerwick, at 7.30pm.