National Recruitment Day bolsters armed forces charity by £2500
NFU Scotland’s national recruitment day, focussed on Friday, 11 November, saw 101 new members join the Union with this impressive figure still climbing.
As well as strengthening the membership of NFUS, a £25 donation on behalf of every new member recruited is going to the armed forces veterans’ charity Erskine House. This was in recognition of the fact that the recruitment drive took place on Armistice Day.
More than twenty recruiting teams, made up of officeholders, Union members, head office and regional staff and group secretaries were involved around all parts of Scotland.
The Union’s President Nigel Miller recruited in Highland region while Vice President Allan Bowie was in Ayrshire and his fellow VP John Picken was on Islay and Jura. NFUS Chief Executive Scott Walker recruited members on Tayside with other staff, members and secretaries making recruitment calls in all of the Union’s regions – Forth & Clyde, Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, Argyll & the Islands, East Central, Lothian & Borders, Highland, North East, Orkney & Shetland.
The North East came out top in the drive with 27 new members signed up. A further 18 joined in Argyll and the Islands.
NFU Scotland’s President, Nigel Miller said:
“I am overwhelmed by what has been achieved by this recruitment drive and extend a very warm welcome to all our new members and thank them for placing their faith and support with us.
“The Union already has a very healthy membership covering every corner of Scotland and every sector of our industry. However, this surge in new members means that when it comes to giving our views, our position as the leading representative body - whether we are lobbying in Holyrood, Westminster or Brussels – is now stronger than ever.
“With a structure that runs from branch to region to head office, we remain uniquely placed to help farmers and crofters with their business or their problems. Being able to offer that personal support while still representing the industry in big picture issues, such as ongoing CAP Reform discussions, were important selling points in getting new members to join us.
“Recruitment day was also a hugely valuable exercise in getting head office staff from Ingliston out and about, joining local and regional staff in meeting potential members and hearing the issues first hand. It is clear from the success that we enjoyed that we have package that of support and policies that is attractive to new members.
“Given that our national recruitment day took place on Armistice Day, NFUS and NFU Mutual will make a £25 per new member donation to the armed forces veterans’ charity Erskine House. With the final figure still rising, I look forward to presenting our war veterans with a deserved cheque in the near future.”
Notes to editors
- NFU Scotland represents around 9,000 farmers, growers and crofters across Scotland.
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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006