NFU Scotland’s retiring President, Jim McLaren has marked his departure from the post by presenting a new annual award that recognises those within the Union who have done most to retain and recruit members.  The ‘NFU Scotland Membership Flame’, was commissioned by Jim McLaren, and sculpted by Caithness glass. 

During his four-year spell as President, Jim’s commitment to membership recruitment played a major part in ensuring that NFU Scotland membership grew year-on-year during his time in office.

Jim made the inaugural presentation of his ‘NFU Scotland Membership Flame’ to group secretary Jim Milby, regional manager Carolyn Dunlop and regional chairman Kenny Campbell of Dumfries and Galloway Region.  The award was made at the Union’s annual dinner in St Andrews on Monday, 14 February, in front of 500 members and guests. 
 
Speaking from the dinner, Jim McLaren said:

“Very many congratulations to the regional team in Dumfries and Galloway for their fantastic member recruitment efforts over the past 12 months. 

“Membership has been a big part of my presidency, but in terms of recruiting members the easy work has been done. The challenge now is for all staff and members to maintain the momentum behind recruiting new members whilst still ensuring we continue to deliver a valued service to those already signed up and who we want to retain as members in the future.

“Special mention should go to the North East region, who really kick-started the Union’s membership drive at the start of my Presidency. The hard work and initiative shown by that region has been particularly encouraging for me during my time in office and their enthusiasm has really helped the other regions get their shoulder behind the wheel on recruitment. 

“First and foremost, we remain a lobbying organisation and any policy victories that NFUS secures, whether they be in Scotland, UK or Brussels benefit every Scottish farmer, whether they are members of NFUS or not. And so we are left with two choices.  Either we stop lobbying and defending Scottish food and farming, or we get everyone receiving those benefits to join us as members.  The only option is the latter and it is my hope that this award will continue to focus minds on recruitment long after I have left NFU Scotland. 

Notes to editors

• Photos of Jim McLaren presenting the award to Jim Milby of Dumfries and Galloway region are available by contacting wendy.fleming@nfus.org.uk
• Artglass designer Sarah Peterson designed the ‘NFU Scotland Membership Flame’. 

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Contact Wendy Fleming on 0131 472 4020