NFU Scotland’s vice-president, John Picken heartily welcomed the opening of the new NFU Mutual/NFU Scotland Islay office at an opening ceremony on Tuesday 14 June.

The office, which has been run by NFU Mutual Agent, Gill Johnstone for sixteen years was christened in generous Islay style with a magnificent spread of local food and drink attended by a great number of local NFUS members and the wider Islay population, as well as NFUS and NFU Mutual office bearers and staff.

NFUS vice-president, John Picken said:

“It was a great honour to be welcomed with such enthusiasm and cheer by Gill Johnstone and her husband Rob. The very existence of the Mutual office is due to Gill and Rob’s efforts and NFUS wishes every success for the future and I am sure they will do well. 

“Following a tour of the Laphroaig distillery – one of the island’s eight – we were treated to the most excellent lunch of local food and drink before embarking on a boat tour of the island.

“Spending the day with such a wide group of local farmers gave us an opportunity to get our teeth round an equally wide selection of issues. We discuss Islay’s forthcoming bid for a goose management scheme and the concept of building up livestock improvements through the use of modern breeds. Local sheepkeepers were shocked by the EU’s recent stance on EID and we had extensive discussions on the shape of the future CAP.

“I got the distinct impression that union activity on Islay is in very good heart and, on behalf of NFU Scotland, would like to commend Gill and her colleagues for all her hard work in continuing that success.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

For a photo of the opening ceremony, please email sarah.anderson@nfus.org.uk or call 0131 472 4108.

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Contact Sarah Anderson on 0131 472 4108