MEMBERS OF the Aberdeen-Angus cattle society have been informed that the organisation's communications manager, Chrissie Long, has resigned from her position

Her resignation was lodged on Monday, February 20, and she will work a three-month notice, meaning she will leave the position in May this year.

A notice about Ms Long's resignation was posted on the society's website and Facebook page – and comments were then posted on the Facebook thread by society members, many of whom stated that the resignation was a negative step for the society, while other comments suggested that the resignation was due to discussions which took place at the society's recent agm.

One member claimed that the agm was "horrendous nasty", and another said that they "did hear about agm", with one member adding that "this is a backward step for the society", while another alleged that "some people should take a long hard look at their behaviour", with one simply adding it was "awful news".

Since these comments were made, the post has been removed from Facebook, and the comments are no longer available to view.

Further to these claims, some members had alleged that Ms Long's performance was incompetent and unprofessional, and that was what led to the demise of her role within the society. These claims, according to society chief executive, Johnny Mackey, are incorrect. He said: "As her employer, the society and the council are sad to see her go.

"We had no concerns about Chrissie's performance, and we feel she did a great job. There were a lot of questions on the night of our recent agm, and these were all answered and answered well," he insisted.

"We have a very busy year in 2017, with our forum from June 16 to July 2, which will include 50 events, half of which will be farm tours. Everything is very positive for the society at the moment, and we are excited about what's to come later on this year."

However, claims have been made by society members that there are more underlying issues within the organisation than people are being made aware of. An anonymous member commented: "I feel that there are a lot of things going on that we don't know about, but investigations are ongoing. I don't like to see what is currently going on within the cattle society, but let's just hope that common sense will prevail, in the end."

UPDATE:JOHNNY MACKEY STEPS DOWN The Scottish Farmer: Johnny MackeyJohnny Mackey

CONTINUING a week of apparent unrest, the Aberdeen-Angus cattle society has announced the resignation of its chief executive officer, Johnny Mackey. 
In the wake of the bull sales, and the resignation of the society's communication manager, Chrissie Long, as reported in this week's SF, the announcement will come as a blow to the society and its members. 
A statement on the Aberdeen-Angus cattle society website read: 
"The Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society wishes to inform its members that, as of today (Thursday 23rd February 2017), the Chief Executive Johnny Mackey has informed the executive committee of his intention to step down in order to pursue other opportunities. 
Mr Mackey would like to thank the Society staff and particularly the presidents with whom he has worked, David Evans, Tom Arnott and Alex Sanger, for all the hard work and support showed to him throughout his employment. 
The Society's executive committee will, in the short term, be managing the business of the Society, until a time when an announcement can be made as to official lines of management."