NFU Scotland has welcomed back Ian Wilson to the post of Regional Manager.  Previously Regional Manager for the Highlands, Ian will now take on an expanded role that also includes Orkney and Shetland.

Ian, who farms with his family at Wester Cairnglass, Gollanfield, near Inverness was previously regional manager for the Highlands from 2007 until 2010, when he ran for Vice President of the Union but was unsuccessful in that bid.

Ian re-applied for his old position when it became available last autumn and, after a very competitive application process, the Union is delighted to announce his reappointment.

Ian’s role will involve representing, advising and supporting local NFUS members and Group Secretaries, organising regional activity, and supporting and advising the Regional Boards in Highland, Orkney and Shetland.

Speaking on his reappointment, Ian said:

“I look forward to picking up where I left off and driving forward farming and food production in Highlands, Orkney and Shetland. 

“This is a particularly exciting time to be involved in these sectors. Farming and crofting are fundamental parts of the infrastructure of these regions.   With reforms of the CAP, crofting elections and rural development plans looming large, I want to help secure the best deal for our members in these areas and make sure our voice is heard in the coming debate.  

“There are also ambitious plans to grow our food industry in Scotland and the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland are already playing a big part in that.  In fact, Highland region has a fantastic opportunity to showcase its wonderful produce when, under the guidance of top chef Lady Claire Macdonald, we provide the fare at the NFU Scotland annual dinner in St Andrews on Monday, 13 February.”

NFU Scotland Highland Regional Board Chairman, Hugh Fraser added:

“We are absolutely delighted to have Ian Wilson back on board.  With his in depth knowledge of farming and his previous experience in the role, he will be a great asset to NFU Scotland and of real benefit to agriculture and crofting in these parts.” 

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Ian is 43 and married with a son and two daughters. He farms 900 acres in Invernesshire in partnership with his wife Angela, based around a 160-acre owned farm with the remainder on a mixture of limited partnership, contract farming and seasonal grazing. The LFA unit carries 170 suckler cows, 450 ewes and a small area of spring barley for stock feed and reseeding. Lambs are mostly finished on the farm and the flock is fairly well self-contained with only rams bought in regularly. The continental cross suckler herd calves in both the spring and autumn with calves mostly sold store at a year old. Ian is a strong supporter of the local summer shows and a past President of the Nairnshire Farming Society.  He is also a former Nairn branch chairman and served on the NFUS Livestock committee from 2000-2007 including three years as Vice-Chairman.
• A photograph of Ian is available on request.

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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006