A dedicated group secretary for Skye, who has helped to boost NFU Scotland membership since he took on the role, has been awarded the annual membership Flame Award at the Union’s AGM.

Jake Sayles, who grew up in Caithness, took up the post of group secretary in the busy Perth office in 2009 before moving onto Skye in 2012. Since moving to Skye, he has grown NFU Scotland’s membership by 56 since June 2012, almost doubling previous efforts.

Not only has Jake taken on the role with drive and enthusiasm, he has also made a life for himself on the island and integrated into the local community.

The Flame Award recognises recruitment effort by NFU Scotland’s group secretaries and those that have shown real dedication to the job, surpassing their job description and going that extra mile.

Jake unfortunately couldn’t make it to the AGM, but Highland Regional Chairman Jim Whiteford and former Regional Chairman Hugh Fraser picked up the award on behalf of Jake on Monday.

The 28-year-old takes after his father Tom who has been a group secretary in the Caithness branch for around 15 years.

Hugh Fraser, retiring Regional Board Chairman for the Highlands, congratulated Jake on his reward. He commented:

“Jake is a great asset to NFU Scotland and is really deserving of this award. He hit the ground running in his area from the word go, growing and developing on what he learnt during his time in the Perth office which set him in good stead for taking on the group secretary role in Skye.

“He didn’t hesitate in getting involved with the local community and engaging with both crofting and farming folk.  He has a great technique of speaking to members and doing what he can for them – whether that be problems with sea eagles or working with the distillery on draff supplies. He is full of enthusiasm and commitment and is a great addition to rural community on Skye.”  Ends