PERTHSHIRE arable farmer Ian Sands has thrown his hat into the ring for the position of NFU Scotland vice president in its February 2019 elections.

Mr Sands, who has chaired the union's combinable crops committee for the past four years, farms on 375 acres just outside Balbeggie, in partnership with his father and son, growing combinable crops and letting land for growing peas, potatoes and carrots. The Sands also contract farm over 1600 acres in the surrounding area.

"I would like the opportunity to be part of the union top table as we support farmers and growers to move forward during the uncertain times ahead," said Mr Sands. "I feel that I would bring balance whilst promoting all sectors of Scottish agriculture to be stable, resilient and profitable."