Margaret, Katy, and Marc named as winners of NFUS Flame Award

The Membership Flame – an NFU Scotland award that recognises outstanding efforts in recruitment and retention of members - has gone to the hard-working Perth team of Margaret Hebbourn, Katy Neill, and Marc Robb.  The achievement is even more impressive given that this is the third consecutive year they have received it.

The team look after the interests of more than 500 members across four branches – Perth, Crieff, Blairgowrie and Highland Perthshire. The Perth office finished 2020 having recruited 32 new members - on top of the 64 recruited in the previous two years - and collected 107 percent of targeted subscription income set for the year.

NFUS Chief Executive, Scott Walker, said: “What an achievement by the team in Perth to win the Membership Flame award again.  To win the Flame once is an achievement, and to win it three years in a row is absolutely outstanding.

“The last year has been particularly challenging time for all our local offices and regional managers with Covid-19 restrictions impacting on face-to-face contact, usually such an important element in getting new members to sign up.  

“But this has not stopped the Perth team, all of whom have adapted to the restrictions and had another great year.  They have embraced the virtual world and held online meetings throughout the year, though I know that they hope we can get back normality this year and bring people together in person rather than on screen.”

Kate Maitland, East Central Regional Manager, added: “What a fantastic achievement to win the NFUS Flame Award for the third year in a row, especially in what was a particularly challenging year. Margaret, Katy, and Marc have not only retained their membership, but gone on to recruit 32 new members while continuing to adapt to the new virtual world, holding a number of online meetings, including a virtual farm walk hosted by the Houstoun family and Glenkilrie Larder.”

The Union’s unique local secretary network – which works on behalf of both NFU Scotland and NFU Mutual - continues to provide an excellent service to members around Scotland. It also generates great loyalty.  

In the past year, the Union has said goodbye to Duncan Low from the Thainstone office; Elizabeth Drever from Papa Westray; and Michael Coutts and Scott Lang from Castle Douglas, who are retiring this month after a combined 66 years in service on behalf of the Union.

It is hugely encouraging that the service to members will continue with Nicola Tait (Kirkwall); Linda Blackwood (Ayr); Craig McLeod (Stornoway); Stephen Hepburn (Thainstone); Lynn Dandie (Ingliston) and Marcus Mackle (Bearsden) all joining our group secretary network.

In January 2021, two of our outgoing NFUS secretaries – Elizabeth Drever from Papa Westray and Scott Lang from Castle Douglas - celebrated being in post for 30 years.


Notes to Editors

• The winners of the 2020 Membership Flame Award, first presented by former NFU Scotland President Jim McLaren, are Margaret Hebbourn, Katy Neill, and Marc Robb.
• A photograph of the award at the Perth office is attached.  A photograph of Margaret and Marc receiving the award at the 2020 AGM from Scott Walker and Jim McLaren is available on request from media@nfus.org.uk
  

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Contact Ruth Oxborrow on 0131 472 4059