CEO's Blog 11 November 2011

What a fantastic experience NFU Scotland’s National Recruitment day turned out to be.  Like many, I am a novice recruiter and out my ‘comfort zone’ in this regard as I headed for a ferry and my recruitment stint

Once on Islay after a 5 o'clock alarm call I got off to a great start with 1 new signing in the morning. Then off to Jura for the 12.15 ferry only to meet the person we were to sign up taking a family member to hospital on the mainland. Gill showed me round the island and we called in at a few estate owners door but they were not in.....The island has only 250 residents left and very few sheep and cattle a shadow of its former self.  David Cameron holidays there occasionally at an ideal spot. Sadly it was no holiday for Gill and I and we rushed at Button speed back to the ferry. Being briefed on the goose management scheme took longer that expected over lunch and we missed the ferry home to Islay - it left early.

Off to Bruichladdich Distillery next for a highly spirited tour from Duncan the plant manager.  Being subjected to whisky at various stages of its development was an enlightening experience.  A fantastic story 100 per cent Scottish barley goes into the newly released label and it is a sell out.  Adding more weight to the fact that Scottishness sells this is the story that we stand for.  Joined up partnership with farmers and processors that produces a product that travels the world and promotes Scottishness from every sip.  They are considering NFUS membership because every good turn deserves another. (That was the real reason for the visit honest)

Off to another farmhouse and after seeing the light Iain signed up with great enthusiasm.  Gill had work very hard to organise these visits and she was not finished yet.  We still had an open meeting to discuss CAP reform, Sheep EID, Goose management scheme, and Absolute right to buy for tenants. So clutching a sandwich and a coffee we made the meeting just as it was filling up. Is this what is meant by Islay time. I had thought Islay time was a more relaxed pace not this breakneck speed.   An excellent passionate exchange of views that impressed even your most experience debating vice president.  We have work to do. 

The results so far: 2 new members, one distillery pending, a gaggle of geese awaiting their fate and an army of farmers with a cause to be championed.  We are up for it.  Keep farmers farming.