Painting of Union’s First President to be displayed at NFUS HQ

As NFU Scotland moves towards its Centenary celebrations in 2013, a portrait of the Union’s first ever President, William Donald, has been welcomed to the Union Headquarters by current officeholders, President Nigel Miller and Chief Executive Scott Walker.

William Donald of Fardalehill, Kilmarnock, served as the inaugural Union President from 1914 to 1919. His portrait was commissioned by the Union as a gift in recognition of his invaluable services to agriculture and to the farmers of Scotland, and to mark the great work he carried out as one of the founders of the Union. 

The framed portrait, painted by J Howard Lyon, has returned to NFU Scotland for a period of at least five years and will be hung in the entrance hall at the Rural Centre. The portrait will take pride of place next to two commemorative boards listing the names of the 60 Presidents and 10 Chief Executives that have steered the Union throughout its first 99 years.

Nigel Miller, serving as the Union’s 60^th President, said:

“Receiving this portrait of the first ever President of NFU Scotland is a great reminder of the vision and commitment that generations of farmers have given to the Union.

“As we get closer to our Centenary year, with celebrations due to start at our AGM in February 2013, it is good to look back and see the people who started an organisation that has grown to be a cornerstone of Scottish farming.”

Scott Walker, the Union’s 10^th Chief Executive, added:

“Receiving this portrait is a timely reminder of where the Union started and it is great to have it at Union Headquarters as we plan our Centenary programme of celebration for members. 

“A Centenary committee has been in place for several months now and a firm plan of how we will mark 100 years of the Union, and kick start the next 100, is coming together.” 

Notes to Editors

• The portrait of William Donald, Esq., J.P has been loaned to NFU Scotland by the Donald family for a minimum period of five years.
• Additional pictures of Nigel Miller, Scott Walker and the portrait are available by contacting wendy.fleming@nfus.org.uk or 0131 472 4020.

Ends

Contact Wendy Fleming on 0131 472 4020