In a fitting climax to the Union’s centenary year, a book marking NFU Scotland’s journey from 1913 to 2013 has been written by well-known journalist and author Andrew Arbuckle.

The book, entitled ‘The First 100 Years – The Story of NFU Scotland’ traces the Union’s formative years, the role of farming in feeding a nation during two world wars, numerous protests, the arrival of the Common Agricultural Policy, the impact of weather and animal diseases right up to the modern day organisation.

Packed with photographs of some of the characters and events that established the Union’s reputation, the book features comments and input from many of those who have made the Union the force that it is today.

Commenting on the task he faced in writing the book, Andrew Arbuckle said:

“NFU Scotland has been a large part of my life, initially as a member and laterally as an agricultural journalist. It has been a great privilege to write the history of the Union as well as being good fun discovering the big issues of days gone past. It has also been very interesting to see family names crop up as different generations take their place in farming politics.

“One of the most difficult decisions I faced writing it was which parts were significant and which were only matters of the moment. I hope readers will agree I have caught the essence of Scotland’s leading rural lobbying organisation.

NFU Scotland’s current President Nigel Miller – the 60th person to hold the Presidential post said: “It is a humbling experience reading this book and getting a real flavour of all that the Union has delivered for Scottish food and farming in the past 100 years. 

“It has been a truly fascinating journey – one that has taken in some real highs in terms of lobbying achievements and some real lows, such as Foot and Mouth Disease and the extreme weather events of recent years.  It is perhaps in these times of adversity that the Union shows its true merit and Andrew’s book encapsulates the people and events that have shaped NFU Scotland. 

“And as Andrew points out, it is onwards and upwards into the next 100 years and, as 2014 will prove, our work is just as important today as it was in October 1913.”  Ends

Notes to Editor
• Andrew Arbuckle was brought up on the family farm near Newburgh, Fife where the cropping was based on seed potatoes and malting barley. In the 1970s and 80s he farmed in partnership with his father. Always keen on writing he became Farming Editor of the Courier in 1989; a position he held until January 2005 when he became the first Member of the Scottish Parliament to be sworn in at Holyrood. After leaving Parliament in May 2007, he wrote ‘Footsteps in the Furrow’, a history of farming in Fife in the past century, and ‘We waved to the Baker’, a nostalgic look back to his childhood on the farm. He became Farming Editor of the Scotsman in August 2009 a position he holds to the present day.   

• Reviews of the book include the following:

- “The Centenary celebrations of NFUS wouldn’t have been complete without a very good written history and that is exactly what we have here.  Well researched, well written and full of interesting snippets and anecdotes, it tells the whole remarkable story in entertaining fashion.” Ewan Pate, Courier

- “Andrew Arbuckle’s achievements in his book is to describe NFU thinking and action in a clear, concise and entertaining style that gives me pause for thought.” Fordyce Maxwell, Scotsman

- “Andrew Arbuckle has marshalled illuminating insights into one of Scotland’s most effective lobbying organisations.” Bill Howatson, Courier

- “This is a fascinating and highly readable book.” Rog Wood, Herald

- “This book provides an invaluable insight into the vital role the Union has played in the development of agricultural policy and defending the interests of Scottish farming.” Eddie Gillanders, Farm North East.

• Copies of the book will be available at NFU Scotland’s annual dinner and AGM taking place at St Andrews on Monday 10 February and Tuesday 11 February.

• Copies of Andrew Arbuckle’s book ‘The First 100 years – The Story of NFU Scotland 1913 – 2013’ will be available to buy from NFU Scotland from Wednesday, 12 February, priced £10 (including postage).  Phone 0131 472 4000

• A photo of Andrew signing copies of the book is available on request.

• Members of the press who would like a copy of the book for review purposes can contact media@nfus.org.uk