AFTER 20 years of service to tenant farming in Scotland, Angus McCall will step down from his role as Executive Director of The Scottish Tenant Farmers Association at the end of the year.

In 2001, Angus and his wife Evelyn, along with a group of other tenants from across Scotland, first formed the Scottish Tenant Farmers Action Group (STFAG) which represented tenants' interests and lobbied for reforms to tenancy legislation in the first Holyrood Parliament. Thanks to those early efforts, wider tenancy reforms were included in the 2003 Agricultural Holdings Act, following which, the Scottish Tenant Farmers Association was formed, paving the way for further improvements to tenancy legislation.

Angus was appointed the inaugural chairman of STFA, a position he held until 2013 when Christopher Nicholson took over, with Angus becoming Executive Director. Christopher said: “With Angus and Evelyn stepping down after 20 years of hard work representing tenants’ interests, we can reflect on what has been achieved and how STFA has evolved.

"It is easy to forget the challenges that faced tenants in the past and take for granted the improvements which have been gained over the years. With STFA being the only stakeholder group in Scotland lobbying for changes to improve tenants’ interests, at times it has felt like an uphill battle, but often a rewarding one. We have much to thank Angus and Evelyn McCall for.”

Angus, who was awarded an MBE in 2010, for services to tenant farming in Scotland, commented: “I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 20 years helping to improve and build the tenanted sector. We’ve come a long way since the early campaigning days. STFA is now a strong and respected organisation and tenant farmers are in a much better place. It’s been hard work with many ups and downs and our achievements have been very much a group effort. The support and help of our members and all those who served on the Board of Directors has been much appreciated.

"Above all, Evelyn and I have enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship of fellow members. The work has been enjoyable, as well as sometimes challenging, and there has been a lot of fun along the way too. We both feel immensely privileged to have had the chance to make so many lifelong friends the length and breadth of Scotland. We wish STFA all the best in the future.”

Angus has been succeeded by Douglas Bell, who was appointed STFA managing director in August. Mr Bell said: “Angus leaves big boots to fill but I have been privileged to work alongside him for an invaluable five-month handover while I have been learning the ropes. Both Angus and Evelyn’s contribution has been immense, and their legacy has paved the way for our future activities as we address the policy and legislative challenges ahead.”