NFU Scotland president Allan Bowie has confirmed his intention to stand for re-election at the union’s annual meeting next year.
Mr Bowie, who farms in Fife and Stirlingshire, will complete his first two-year term as president in February 2017. He is eligible to stand for a maximum of two consecutive two-year terms.
The union’s vice-presidents – Rob Livesey who farms in the Borders and Andrew McCornick who farms in Dumfriesshire – have yet to state whether or not they wish to stand for re-election or challenge Mr Bowie for the presidential job. Vice-presidents initially serve for a two-year term before the posts revert to an annual election.
The union is now accepting applications for all presidential jobs and anyone wishing to stand as president or vice-president is asked to contact the union’s chief executive, Scott Walker, to obtain a proposal form. The forms must be signed and returned to Mr Walker by close of play on Monday, December 12.
Details of all candidates will be unveiled at the union’s Christmas press briefing on Wednesday, December 14.
Mr Walker said: “There has rarely been, in our 103-year history, a more challenging period for Scottish farming and crofting and that creates a fantastic opportunity for those who want to help forge our future.
“The job of electing those who will fill our presidential seat and the two vice-presidential posts is now under way and we invite applications from those keen to shape our farming industry for the better in the years ahead.”
He said a range of hustings events would take place in the new year to give all candidates the opportunity to speak to as many union member as possible.
“I would ask that if anyone is planning to run for either president or vice-president that they contact me, so that the union can provide support where possible. Making our wide network of branches and offices aware of all candidates will maximise the opportunities available to them to speak to the membership first hand,” added Mr Walker.
“If potential candidates want to learn about what the roles entail, I am able to provide a full explanation of what is expected of a vice-president and president. For those keen to represent their fellow Scottish farmers, these are the most respected positions in our sector.”
The union’s annual meeting takes place on February 6-7, 2017, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in the centre of Glasgow.
