THERE is a new top table at the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs as David Lawrie steps up as National chairman while Kim Taylor takes on the role of vice.

David, a member of Kinross JAC, previously headed up the East Region and spent the last 12 months as vice chairman, taking over the top role from Suzie Dunn at the recent agm, held at the Young Farmers Centre, Ingliston.

David commented: “I would like to congratulate Suzie on a fantastic year and say what an honour it is to be elected as SAYFC National chairman. I look forward to the year ahead and building on the success of this year.

”We have a number of new initiatives in the pipeline and will continue with the ‘Are ewe okay?’ campaign which has attracted such support. I am looking forward to meeting as many SAYFC members at their clubs and during the Royal Highland Show.”

The new leadership team follows on from what has been a high-profile year for SAYFC with the launch of the multi award-winning ‘Are-Ewe Okay?’ mental health campaign, the National bale art competition and a steady growth in membership numbers.

Other successes include the introduction of Vlogs, a video blog to promote different aspects of the association, a number of new and exciting international travel opportunities, the launch of the new Young Farmer of the Year competition, and the 80:40 anniversary dinner to celebration the association’s 80th anniversary in conjunction with 40 years of the International Trust.

Commenting on her year, Suzie said: “It has been an incredible experience working with such a talented and motivated team of people. I have no doubt that the agricultural and the rural industries are in safe hands with this generation coming through, however we need to continue to invest and nurture this talent to keep young people working in the sector.”

Other regional chairs include Michael Rattray in the East, Michael Gunn in the North and Lizzie McJannet in the West. International chair for the coming year is Lianne Brunton, while Iain Wilson will be Agri and Rural Affairs chairman with Andrew McGregor as his vice.