The new chair of the H&H Group based at Carlisle is Will Hamilton of Bee Edge Farm, Coldingham, who takes over from retiring Michael Scott.

A highly and widely respected farmer and businessman, Mr Hamilton brings his experience and commitment to his new role to guide the continuation of H&H Group’s growth and development.

“It has been a privilege to have been on the board for the past five years and a great honour to be invited to serve as chair of this outstanding Group of businesses.

"I have had the opportunity to work with a fantastic team of people here at H&H, and despite the disruption of COVID, under the excellent stewardship of Michael Scott the Group has forged ahead."

Will Hamilton describes himself as a stockman through and through, for whom cattle are a passion as well as a profession. He farms on the Berwickshire coast and North Northumberland in a family partnership with his wife Carol and daughter, Annabel. They produce 350 finished cattle a year for the quality butcher trade. Will has a deep understanding of the fundamental importance of the live auction trade, and the value and potential of H&H Group’s core auctioneering business.

“Live markets continue to have a central place in the future of the agricultural world. Our seven auction marts offer a blend of trading, socialising, and exchanging ideas that are unique, and Harrison and Hetherington have been at the forefront of adding a whole new digital dimension to the value of live auctioneering.

"Next year H&H will have been based at Borderway for 50 years, and my aim as chair is to help make all our H&H businesses fit for the next 50 years.”

“We will continue to drive and evolve all our businesses to serve the next generation of farmers, landowners, and rural businesses and we are already engaging with the next generation of employees and customers in many important ways. Further developing this engagement is one of my most important priorities.”