North-east agricultural consultant Gerald Banks has been unveiled as the new treasurer for NFU Scotland.
Mr Banks replaces George Lawrie, of Kinross, who has been in the role since February 2007.
Although retiring from his role at the union, Mr Lawrie will remain involved in the industry as a board member of AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds and chairman of Scotland’s agricultural co-operative umbrella group SAOS.
He said: “It has been a real pleasure being involved with NFU Scotland in all my roles and I would like to thank everyone who has helped me over the years.
“It is a journey that saw me become the youngest branch chairman at my local branch all the way to 13 years on the board at NFU Scotland. It has been a fantastic time and I wish Gerald all the best going forward.”
Newly appointed treasurer Mr Banks, who previously chaired the union’s environment and land use committee, said: “Coming through the ranks and on to the main board at the union in 2012, it was clear at a very early stage just what a calming and reliable influence George was on how NFU Scotland went about its job.
“He has been a rock at the centre of the union’s solid performance as a business in recent years and a tough act to follow. That said, I am thoroughly looking forward to my appointment as treasurer of NFU Scotland and the inevitable challenges the whole industry faces.”
Mr Banks has been an active member of the Buchan branch of the union since moving to the area in 1979. He became a committee chairman in 2012 and has been on the union’s main board since then. For the past four years he has represented the board on the union’s finance and remuneration committees.
The majority of the union’s regional chairmen remain the same, with the exception of Argyll and The Islands where John Dickson, of Bute, has been appointed to replace John Semple, of Lochgilphead.
The Highland region chairmanship remains with Jim Whiteford, Shandwick Mains, Tain, while Roddy Catto, of Hillhead of Muirton, Aberdeen, remains chairman for the north-east. In the Orkney and Shetlands region, Paul Ross, of Lenahowe, Sandwick, remains chairman.