Scotland’s farming union is gearing up to mark its centenary in 2013.

As well as a host of national and regional events to mark NFU Scotland’s first 100 years; the Union has established a Centenary Trust to ensure celebrations in 2013 leave a legacy for the next 100 years.

The Trust will be funded by the activities that take place throughout 2013 and via a voluntary contribution from each member. Due to its robust financial position, Union subscriptions for 2013 are being frozen at 2012 levels but each member has been asked to voluntarily donate £25 into the Trust.

In its first year, the Trust will be supporting the following three causes.                                                                                       

• To get as many children as possible to visit a farm in 2013. 
• To educate farmers, employees and their children on health and safety in the countryside with a special emphasis on children’s safety.  
• To assist in bringing forward a meaningful apprentice programme that supports farmers and their employees.  

Chairman of the Centenary Trust and NFUS Treasurer George Lawrie said:
“The group of farmers from the west of Scotland who met in the Religious Institution Halls in Buchanan Street, Glasgow on 1 October 1913 set out with the vision of giving Scottish farmers a unified voice.  

“I am sure our founders, when gazing down from on high, are proud of what the Union has become and what it has achieved for our industry.  We go into our 100th year with a stable membership, a sound financial footing and despite the real challenges of 2012, we have made progress.
 
“Ahead of our Centenary year, NFU Scotland’s board of directors asked me to lead discussions on how we should mark this momentous occasion. It will be a celebration and leave a legacy to drive the Union into its next 100 years

“On celebrations, our 2013 AGM and dinner at St Andrews in February will be the perfect launch to an exciting year and it is proposed that each region will hold its own fundraising event during 2013. This is the chance for all members and staff to get involved by celebrating our Union and all that is good about Scottish food and farming.

“By way of a legacy, we have established the NFUS Centenary Trust.  The Trust will be funded by the activities that take place throughout 2013 and via a voluntary contribution from members.

“In its first year, the Trust will be supporting three causes. We will work closely with other organisations to try and get as many children as possible onto Scottish farms in 2013 to show them the contribution we make to their food and the countryside in which they live.  

“We also want to help educate farmers, employees and their children on health and safety in the countryside with a special emphasis on children’s safety.   It is an area of our industry where our record must improve.

“And finally, to future-proof Scottish farming, we want to build a more meaningful apprentice programme that supports farmers and their employees.  We want to give apprentices a lasting launch pad into their chosen career. Part of that may involve supporting farmers who give up their time and energy to give hands-on training to apprentices during the crucial first few months. Developing a group of farms that can provide the necessary level of training may also be part of that vision.

“All our members – past and present - can be proud of what our Union has achieved in both the past century and the past year and what it hopes to achieve in the year’s ahead.  Our members remain the key part of that intense effort.”

Notes to Editors

• A photograph of George Lawrie is available on request.

Ends

Contact Bob Carruth/Sarah Anderson on 0131 472 4006/4108