Tain farmer Jim Whiteford, pictured, has replaced Hugh Fraser as NFU Scotland chairman for the Highlands region.
Mr Whiteford, who farms at Shandwick Mains, Arabella, already represents the region on the union’s combinable crops committee. “Top priority must be ensuring that new arrangements for delivering support to farmers through the Common Agricultural Policy recognise the tremendous diversity of farming we have here in the Highlands,” he said.
“The pressure on those who stock our hills and uplands with cattle and sheep remains intense and we must make sure that the move to a new area-based support system stabilises rather than undermines livestock numbers in the region.”
The new vice-chairmen for the region are Arnott Coghill, of Skinnet Farm, Halkirk, and Martin Birse, of Pitgaveny, Elgin.
Priorities outlined by new NFUS chief for Highlands
