NFU Scotland will launch a new award to recognise two farming stalwarts when its members from across Argyll and the Islands meet in Tarbert on Friday 15 January for their Regional Board AGM and members’ day.

The first item on the agenda for the annual event, which brings together members from all of the region’s branches, will see the appointment of a new Chair for the region, as John Semple from Mid-Argyll will be stepping down after five years of hard work on behalf members in Argyll and the Islands.

The meeting will also be taking the opportunity to recognise the contribution of well-known Mull farmers Bert Leitch and Lachlan MacLean – both of whom sadly passed away last year.

At this year’s AGM, the Regional Board will be launching the Argyll and the Islands ‘Stalwart Award’ in memory of Bert and Lachlan. Both were loyal and committed supporters of NFU Scotland, contributing hugely to the Union’s work locally and nationally over many years and they are both sorely missed following their sudden deaths in 2015.  

Announcing the award, Regional Manager Lucy Sumsion said: “In recognition and in memory of them both, the Regional Board would like to launch an annual award to be presented each year to either a NFUS member who has followed in their footsteps and given their time and effort to the work of the Union in Argyll and the Islands region or someone who has made a significant contribution to agriculture in the area.

The ‘Stalwart Award’ will be launched at this year’s regional AGM, with nominations being sought later in the year and the award presented to the first winner in 2016.”

As well as Regional Board elections and launching the Stalwart Award, there will also be an open discussion session next Friday afternoon (15 January) which will focus on a couple of key policy issues.

The first to be discussed will be the Scottish Government Land Reform Bill, which is now going through Parliament and will become law by the end of March 2016.   NFU Scotland has consulted widely with it members on this subject, but with Government amendments to the Bill expected, members will be updated on the current position and their views sought.

The second issue will be training and skills in agriculture and how this can best be provided in the Argyll and the Islands region, whether it be encouraging young people to take up farming through the provision of modern apprenticeships or training that existing farmers and crofters need. Representatives from Lantra and the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs will be at the meeting and will be keen to discuss with members the work that they have been doing in Argyll.

NFU Scotland President Allan Bowie and Chief Executive Scott Walker will also be at the meeting and will be happy to update members on any other policy issues or the campaigning and lobbying work of the Union. There will be plenty of opportunities for members to ask questions and raise points of concern.

All NFUS members and their families are welcome to attend. For further information please contact Lucy Sumsion, Argyll & the Islands Regional Manager, Mobile: 07787 434104 or email: lucy.sumsion@nfus.org.uk.

Notes to editors

• Photographs of Bert Leitch and Lachlan MacLean are available on request from media@nfus.org.uk

Ends

Contact Lucy Sumsion on 07787 434104