Highland Perthshire farmer Martin Kennedy will stand unchallenged for the position of President of NFU Scotland at the Union’s AGM on Friday 10 February 2023.

Meanwhile, there will be a Vice President with three candidates for the two positions. Mr. Kennedy has served as President for the past two years. If approved by the Union’s Council, he will be re-elected to the post of President for a further two-year term.

No other nominations for President were received by the deadline of Monday 12 December. The maximum term allowed for an individual to hold the role of President under the Union’s constitution is four consecutive years.

Three nominations for the two Vice-Presidential posts have been received. They are

• Andrew Connon, North Quilquox, Ythanbank, Ellon, Aberdeenshire.

• Alasdair Macnab, Kildun Farm, Dingwall, Ross-shire

• Robin Traquair, Wellington Farm, Millerhill, Dalkeith, Midlothian.

A series of regional hustings events will take place in January ahead of the voting process. These events will provide NFU Scotland members with the ideal opportunity to question each candidate about what their plans are for leading the agricultural industry and NFU Scotland forward ahead of the voting process.

Commenting Mr. Kennedy said: “It has been a privilege to serve NFU Scotland as President, a role I have enjoyed immensely over the past two very difficult years where we have had to deal with a myriad of challenges from global to local spectrums. I hope to be re-elected President by Council in the New Year. That would be a huge honour at a time when the changes, challenges, and opportunities facing Scottish farmers and crofters have never been so immense.

“These will be incredibly busy and significant times for the Union as we strive to secure a sustainable, profitable future for Scottish agriculture. If elected, I will remain fully committed to driving forward the work NFU Scotland is doing on behalf of more than 9000 members across Scotland.

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“Strong teamwork has always been central to NFU Scotland’s lobbying efforts. There are three excellent candidates for the Vice-Presidential posts, and I encourage each and every member to take part in the forthcoming hustings events, feeding back to their Council members on who they believe is best suited to fill these influential posts when it comes to the vote on 10 February.”