National Farmers' Union of Scotland : 09 January 17 - Hustings Start for NFU Scotland Candidates

Article date:

09 January 2017

News Article Number:

02/17

Six names in the hat for top union positions

The six candidates who are contesting for the top roles within NFU Scotland are embarking on a nine-date tour of regional hustings that will see them travel the length and breadth of the country.

Starting tomorrow (Tuesday 10 January) at Stepps, near Glasgow, those seeking election as either President or Vice President of NFUS will address members at a packed programme of regional meetings in a bid to secure the necessary votes. Over the next 11 days, the candidates will also speak at meetings in Dingwall, Perth, Tarbert, Cumnock, Castle Douglas, Carfraemill, Inverurie and Kirkwall concluding in Lerwick on Shetland on Friday 20 January.

Voting for the positions of President and its two Vice Presidential posts will take place at the Union's council meeting at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow on Tuesday 7 February 2017. The Union's AGM, conference and annual dinner will be staged at the same venue the day before (Monday 6 February).

Current President Allan Bowie and sitting Vice Presidents Rob Livesey and Andrew McCornick will all contest the presidential position. The two vice presidential roles will be decided between Forth and Clyde Regional Chairman Tom French, Less Favoured Areas Committee Chairman Martin Kennedy and Dumfries and Galloway Regional Chairman Gary Mitchell.

Ahead of the hustings commencing, all candidates have outlined their priorities for the Union and Scottish agriculture with the document available on the Union's website at: http://www.nfus.org.uk/node/17758

Commenting on the prospect of an exciting election campaign, NFU Scotland Chief Executive Scott Walker said: 'It is hugely encouraging for the future of NFU Scotland and the sign of a healthy and vibrant Union that we have so many excellent candidates standing for election. Six people have put the interests of the industry ahead of the interests of their own businesses and are standing for the positions of President or Vice President.

'I wish each one of them the very best and urge them to make the most of this fantastic, if hectic, round of meetings. They all have the skills and experience to do a great job for NFUS and this is their opportunity to convince members that they have a role to play for the Union as we tackle the major challenges ahead.

'With Brexit decisions looming and future agricultural policy in the UK and Scotland up for debate, we need the right people in place to drive forward policies that are in the very best interests of our farmers and crofters.

'These are exciting times for all involved in our industry and I urge all members to take the opportunity to hear from our candidates as they travel round the country in the coming days. The decision the membership must make is who should lead this union for the next 24 months as we negotiate some of the most challenging times faced by the Union in its 104-year history.'

Notes for Editors

• Six candidates will contest the Presidential and Vice Presidential elections. Standing for President (in alphabetical order) are Allan Bowie, Rob Livesey and Andrew McCornick. Standing for Vice President are Tom French, Martin Kennedy and Gary Mitchell. To read a short biography on each candidate and what their priorities are for the Union and Scottish agriculture click here: http://www.nfus.org.uk/node/17758
• A head and shoulders picture of each candidate is available from [e-mail]
• The dates, times and venues for the forthcoming hustings events are as follows:

If media would like to attend any of the above events, please email: [e-mail]

• The election for President and the two vice presidential positions will take place at the Union's Council meeting at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow on Tuesday 7 February 2017. The Union's AGM, conference and annual dinner will be staged at the same venue the day before (Monday 6 February). Members of NFU Scotland's Council - a body made up of representatives from each of the Union's 73 branches - will select the successful candidates.

Ends

Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006