Additions to Regional and Communications Teams at NFUS

NFU Scotland has bolstered its headquarters staff with new appointments to its regional and communications teams.

The regional appointments see Kerry Barr become Regional Manager for Lothian & Borders with Isla Flanagan taking on responsibility for Dumfries & Galloway with its current Regional Manager Carolyn Dunlop due to take maternity leave.  The new Communications Manager for NFU Scotland is Ruth McClean.

NFU Scotland Chief Executive Scott Walker said:
“It is a huge encouragement to all within this organisation and a reflection of the standing of NFUS that any time a position becomes available, we continue to attract a high number of talented and skilled applicants.  

“I welcome Kerry, Ruth and Isla to the organisation where their enthusiasm for Scottish farming and their drive to do the best for our members will be a huge asset to the business.

“NFU Scotland continues to grow its staff body so that we can service the growing needs of our membership at a local, regional and national level.  Early in 2014, we will appoint our first full time Parliamentary Officer and further appointments in 2014 will mean that we will continue to deliver the best service we can to our members.” 

Notes to editors

• Kerry Barr previously worked in NFU Scotland’s Lothian office at Ingliston.  Kerry comes with a wealth of knowledge of the agricultural industry and with a strong farming background.  The family farm is at Easter Kinleith, Currie and Kerry’s father, Bob, sits on the regional board and the Union’s Tenants’ working group.
• Isla Flanagan has recently returned with her family from France, where they farmed for several years.  Isla’s husband, John, previously worked for NFU Scotland.  Isla has been a regular contributor to farming publications and brings with her a passion for farming, the countryside and food production.
• Ruth McClean was raised on the Isle of Bute and started her journalistic career with the Campbeltown Courier before moving to work with the Helensburgh Advertiser and the Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter as a senior journalist.  Ruth worked regularly with local NFU Scotland secretaries and staff to report on agricultural issues and put together regular farming features in these regional newspapers.
• A group photograph (from l to r) of Kerry, Isla and Ruth is attached.

Ends

Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006