IT WAS the end of an era at The Scottish Farmer this week, as Alasdair Fletcher stepped down as editor after 23 years in the role.

Stepping up to take over the top job is Ken Fletcher, who will become only the sixth editor in the publication’s 124-year history.

Further promotions go to news editor, Gordon Davidson, who is now also on-line editor, and Patsy Hunter, whose business role is extended to include technical topics.

Here's a final word from Ally:

"For the past 23 years, I have had, in my opinion, the best job in Scottish agriculture. But all good things must come to an end and the April 29 edition of The Scottish Farmer will be my last as editor.

It seems just like yesterday that I succeeded Angus MacDonald, to become only this newspaper’s fifth editor since the launch edition on January 1, 1893, and following in the footsteps of Archie Macneilage, Sandy Sutherland and George Millar.

Even my first assignment as a cub reporter at the 1973 National Stallion Show, at Scotstoun, seems not so distant as I well remember the two-year-old colt, Bardrill Enterprise, winning the prestigious Cawdor Cup that day.

In those relatively short 23 years of editorship, the publishing industry has undergone great transformation – and The SF has been no different. Full colour printing throughout is now the norm these days and this dovetails with electronic editions, websites and social media. It was only in 2002, for example, that the main news story of the week appeared on the front page, replacing adverts which had been the standard for the previous 110 years.

Farming has also undergone immense technical change which has, in the most part, been of great benefit. But who can forget the scourge of BSE and two foot-and-mouth outbreaks and the terrible scars that they left on the industry.

Now, the industry is on the verge of exciting, but turbulent, times, though I have no doubt The Scottish Farmer will remain ‘the farmer’s bible’ to chart the progress, cajole, praise and even criticise this great industry of ours on its journey for decades to come.

But, now is also the time for me to hand over the editorial reins to Ken Fletcher. He has a great team behind him, not only in the editorial department, but also in the advertising, production, circulation and marketing spheres, which will, I have no doubt, lead to further success in the future.

Finally, I would like to thank all of ‘The Farmer’ staff and contributors, past and present, for all their assistance over the years. It has been a wonderful journey – and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!"