Final list of six announced ahead of election hustings in January

Six candidates will be standing in NFU Scotland’s election for the positions of President and Vice Presidents.

The elections are to take place at the Union’s council meeting at the Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews on Tuesday 10 February 2015.  Before that date, all candidates will have the opportunity to attend hustings at ten venues the length and breadth of Scotland.

Standing for President are (in alphabetical order) Vice President Allan Bowie, Vice President Rob Livesey and Combinable Crops Committee Chairman Andrew Moir.  Mr Livesey and Mr Moir are also standing for the two Vice Presidential posts, where they will be challenged by Dumfries and Galloway Regional Chairman Andrew McCornick, Lothian and Borders Regional Vice Chairman Kelvin Pate and Legal and Technical Committee Chairman John Smith.

The term of office for President, currently held by Nigel Miller, is open for election every two years.   Nigel will step down in February after serving four years as President. Under the constitution, no President can stand for more than two terms.

At NFU Scotland’s AGM in February, a constitutional change is being proposed to alter the Vice Presidential term of office. Under the constitution, Vice Presidents are elected on an annual basis.  The proposal is that, when first elected, a Vice President will serve a two year term. If a Vice President stands for re-election, then the term of office reverts to one year.  If agreed at the Union’s AGM – on Monday 9 February - the rules will apply to the elections the following day.

Members of NFU Scotland’s council – a body made up from representatives of each of the Union’s 73 branches - will select the successful candidates.

NFU Scotland Chief Executive, Scott Walker commented:

“For a membership organisation it is healthy to see so many people interested in taking on these posts.  Our members will choose from a very strong field of candidates who will be the next President and Vice Presidents of NFU Scotland.

“Whoever is elected will lead the organisation and represent Scottish farmers and crofters on issues that affect all land-based businesses in Scotland.

“From discussions with multiple retailers and the rest of the supply chain to influencing and shaping government legislation that originates from Scotland, the UK and Europe. Those who take up office in February will operate on many fronts for the benefit of our members and the farming industry in Scotland.

“I wish all candidates well and I would encourage all members to attend the hustings meetings in January.  These meetings will give all candidates a platform and help ensure we elect the strongest team in February.”

Notes to Editors

• Biographies of NFU Scotland’s Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, photographs and contact details for each candidate are available on request by contacting media@nfus.org.uk or calling 0131 472 4108.
• A round of regional AGMs is scheduled for January 2015 and, with the agreement of regional boards, it is intended that the Chief Executive and the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates will attend these events.  The events are:

Ends

Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006 or Ruth McClean on 0131 472 4108