The starting gun is to be fired for NFU Scotland’s Presidential elections as hustings events begin tomorrow (Tuesday 6 January).

The elections are to take place at the Union’s council meeting at the Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews on Tuesday 10 February 2015.  Before that date, all candidates will have the opportunity to attend Regional Board AGMs at 10 venues the length and breadth of Scotland.
The first event is due to be held in Ayrshire tomorrow evening at the Western House Hotel in Ayr.

Standing for President are (in alphabetical order) current Vice President Allan Bowie, current Vice President Rob Livesey and Combinable Crops Committee Chairman Andrew Moir.  Mr Livesey and Mr Moir are also standing for the two Vice Presidential posts, where they will be challenged by Dumfries and Galloway Regional Chairman Andrew McCornick, Lothian and Borders Regional Vice Chairman Kelvin Pate and Legal and Technical Committee Chairman John Smith.

The term of office for President, currently held by Nigel Miller, is open for election every two years.   Nigel will step down in February after serving four years as President. Under the constitution, no President can stand for more than two terms.

At NFU Scotland’s AGM in February, a constitutional change is being proposed to alter the Vice Presidential term of office. Under the constitution, Vice Presidents are elected on an annual basis.  The proposal is that, when first elected, a Vice President will serve a two year term. If a Vice President stands for re-election, then the term of office reverts to one year.  If agreed at the Union’s AGM – on Monday 9 February - the rules will apply to the elections the following day.

Members of NFU Scotland’s council – a body made up from representatives of each of the Union’s 73 branches - will select the successful candidates.

NFU Scotland Chief Executive Scott Walker commented: “Over the next couple of weeks all our candidates will criss-cross over Scotland to attend regional AGMs which will give them the opportunity to speak to members and to show why they should lead NFU Scotland.

“Each of the candidates has much to offer and I know they all welcome the opportunity to get across the country and talk to members. Whilst enjoyable, the hustings will be a gruelling process and will culminate in one successful candidate being elected President and two successful candidates being elected Vice President.

“The next few weeks gives members the opportunity to put questions directly to candidates and find out from them what they think about the key Scottish agricultural issues.”

Notes to Editors

• Full biographies and photographs for each of the candidates are available upon request by contacting media@nfus.org.uk or calling 0131 472 4108.
• A round of regional AGMs is scheduled for January 2015 and, with the agreement of regional boards, it is intended that the Chief Executive and the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates will attend.  The events are:

Ends

Contact Ruth McClean on 0131 472 4108