The long-standing secretary of the Black Isle Show has left the role to take on a new job at Aberdeen and Northern Marts.
Rod Mackenzie, secretary at the biggest agricultural show in the north of Scotland for the past 15 years, is leaving to join the auction company as its new centre manager for Caithness and Shetland.
Mr Mackenzie, who is currently convener of the Crofting Commission, starts his new role at the livestock division of farmers’ co-operative ANM Group on Monday. He will oversee livestock operations in the north and replace the current centre manager for Caithness, Stuart Slessor, who is moving to work at ANM’s Thainstone Centre, near Inverurie, on a permanent basis.
A former auctioneer at Dingwall, Thurso and Huntly, Mr Mackenzie has conducted livestock sales in Shetland on behalf of Aberdeen and Northern Marts and Shetland Livestock Marketing Group for 14 years. He said: “I’m excited about the new job – it’s a good challenge.”
He said the Black Isle Show would be looking for a new secretary to replace him, and he is hoping to help whoever takes on the role learn the ropes.
Grant Rogerson, ANM Group’s chief executive, welcomed Mr Mackenzie’s appointment.
He said: “Rod brings a wealth of industry and auctioneering experience, and a great affiliation with Caithness and the Northern Isles, further building on our strong reputation for providing an excellent livestock marketing service right across Scotland.”