Following voting at the NFU Scotland conference Alasdair Macnab and Andrew Connon have been elected as the Unions two vice presidents at the Union’s council meeting in Glasgow today. The results of the three-way battle for vice president means that Lothian pig farmer Robin Traquair loses out in his bid to continue in office.

Meanwhile Martin Kennedy was re-elected unchallenged as President of NFU Scotland. Mr Kennedy has already served two years in the position and his re-election gives the Highland Perthshire farmer another two years in the post.

North-east farmer Andrew Connon, North Quilquox, Ythanbank, Ellon has already served two years as vice president. Alasdair Macnab, Kildun Farm, Dingwall has been elected as vice president for the first time having previously served as chair of the Union’s legal and technical committee.

Commenting Mr Kennedy said: “It is an immense privilege to be asked to serve NFU Scotland as President again, 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 congratulate Andrew and Alasdair and thank Robin sincerely for the hard work and dedication he has shown to Scottish farming and crofting in the past two years. It is also worth making specific mention of the huge volume of time he spent on making our 2023 AGM, Dinner and conference a roaring success.

“Our membership has bestowed on myself, Andrew and Alasdair 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. As a new look top team, we will remain fully committed to driving forward the work NFU Scotland is doing on behalf of more than 9200 members across Scotland.”