NFU Scotland’s Sutherland branch presented its chairman, Malcolm McCall of Brora, with a 12-year-old bottle of whisky to mark his 12 years in the post at its recent annual general meeting.

The Union’s Livestock Policy Manager John Sleigh also attended the meeting in Brora and gave a presentation on what the Union has been engaged with in recent months on behalf of Scottish farmers and crofters. This ranged from health and welfare issues and the need for better promotion of Scottish meat by supermarkets.

NFU Scotland members expressed serious concerns at the delay to the Basic Payments through the Common Agricultural Policy from the Scottish Government and how this will have a knock on effect to all farmers and crofters in the region. It is still currently unknown who will be paid what and when, only that it will be paid out in stages by the end of April.

Chairman Malcolm McCall commented: “Having been chairman for this length of time, it is far too long, but it has been a great experience. We’re looking to try to attract younger members to get involved, particularly with members being spread vastly across the area.

“The branch still acts as a platform for members to view their concerns and issues, and for those to be fed from grassroots to head office and further afield and will continue to be here to provide a voice for our members in the years ahead.”

Notes to Editor

• A photograph of the presentation to Malcolm is available by emailing media@nfus.org.uk.

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Contact Ruth McClean on 0131 472 4108