There is still hope the Scottish National Fat Stock Club’s Livescot event will take place at Lanark Auction Mart, in November.

That was the good news story from the club’s virtual agm which was also celebrating a fourth consecutive year making a profit and the appointment of a new top team.

With planning of the club’s events in full flow, secretary Margaret Gray said a review of the restrictions will take place at the end of July and a more informed decision as to whether it will be safe to hold the Premier Meat Exhibition and Livescot will be made.

“We want to give our events every chance to go ahead. However, the safety and well-being of everyone involved is our number one priority.”

Taking on the role as chairman is David McKerrow, who is now based down in the Borders. David has been a member of the Scottish National Fat Stock Club for more than 40 years, initially doing a lot of showing in the late 1970s and ‘80s to promote Texel sheep.

“I am greatly honoured to have been elected as chairman for the next two years. Who would ever have imagined a summer without agricultural shows, but Covid-19 has cruelly upset normal life.

“However, on a positive note, people have had time on their hands to cook more and have been encouraged to shop locally. They are even more aware now of the carbon foot print of our food and of eating a healthy diet.

“It is, therefore, more important than ever that Scotland’s farming industry promotes what we produce and that the Fat Stock Club’s two events go ahead as usual in November.

“These two events give us an ideal opportunity to showcase Scottish quality beef and lamb while our stocksmen and women demonstrate their skills exhibiting cattle and sheep,” said David.

Brian Harper, steps into David’s old shoes as vice-chairman, with Jenny Baillie, Andrew Best, David Cunningham, Ted Fox, Archie Hamilton, Rosemary Hunter and Gilbert Thomson, joining the committee.