Six candidates seeking top jobs in NFU Scotland begin hustings tour

Left to right: Andrew McCornick, Allan Bowie, Rob Livesey
Left to right: Andrew McCornick, Allan Bowie, Rob Livesey

The six candidates who are contesting for the top roles within NFU Scotland are embarking on a ten-date tour of regional hustings that will see them travel the length and breadth of the country.

Starting today at Stepps, near Glasgow, those seeking election as either President or Vice President of NFUS will address members at a packed programme of regional meetings in a bid to secure the necessary votes.

Over the next 11 days, the candidates will also speak at meetings in Dingwall, Perth, Tarbert, Cumnock, Castle Douglas, Carfraemill, Inverurie and Kirkwall concluding in Lerwick on Shetland on Friday 20 January.

Voting for the positions of President and its two Vice Presidential posts will take place at the Union’s council meeting at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow on Tuesday 7 February 2017.

The Union’s AGM, conference and annual dinner will be staged at the same venue the day before (Monday 6 February).

Current President Allan Bowie and sitting Vice Presidents Rob Livesey and Andrew McCornick will all contest the presidential position.

'A healthy, vibrant Union'

Commenting on the prospect of an exciting election campaign, NFU Scotland Chief Executive Scott Walker said it is 'hugely encouraging' for the future of NFU Scotland.

He said: “It is the sign of a healthy and vibrant Union that we have so many excellent candidates standing for election.

“Six people have put the interests of the industry ahead of the interests of their own businesses and are standing for the positions of President or Vice President.

“I wish each one of them the very best and urge them to make the most of this fantastic, if hectic, round of meetings. They all have the skills and experience to do a great job for NFUS and this is their opportunity to convince members that they have a role to play for the Union as we tackle the major challenges ahead.

“With Brexit decisions looming and future agricultural policy in the UK and Scotland up for debate, we need the right people in place to drive forward policies that are in the very best interests of our farmers and crofters.

“These are exciting times for all involved in our industry and I urge all members to take the opportunity to hear from our candidates as they travel round the country in the coming days.

Mr Walker concluded: “The decision the membership must make is who should lead this union for the next 24 months as we negotiate some of the most challenging times faced by the Union in its 104-year history.”