NFU Scotland is now taking nominations for the positions of President and Vice President as current President Nigel Miller’s four years in office comes to an end.
Current Vice Presidents Allan Bowie and Rob Livesey have both confirmed they will be standing for President when the election is held at the Union’s council meeting, taking place at the Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews on Tuesday 10 February 2015.
Members of NFU Scotland’s council – a body made up from representatives of each of the Union’s 71 branches - will select the successful candidates. The council meeting follows the start of the Union’s AGM and Annual Dinner being held in the same venue the previous day (Monday, 9 February).
Those wishing to stand for these positions should contact NFUS Chief Executive Scott Walker to obtain a proposal form, which must then be signed and returned to him by close of play on Friday, 12 December 2014.
Any NFUS member can be nominated for election, providing they are proposed and seconded by fellow NFUS members. The presidential position is held for two years while Vice Presidents are currently elected annually.
However, the term of office served by Vice Presidents is just one of a range of constitutional changes to be discussed by the Union’s branches and members this winter. The Union’s future constitution is one of the agenda items at NFU Scotland’s annual autumn Council Meeting, being held at SNH Battleby Conference Centre near Perth tomorrow (Wednesday, 29 October).
Speaking ahead of the council meeting, Mr Walker said: “The job of electing those who will fill our Presidential seat and the two Vice-Presidential posts is now underway and we invite applications from those keen to help shape our farming industry in the years ahead.
“In the run up to our annual general meeting in February, when the elections will take place, we will be having a wider debate with the membership to ensure our constitution is fit for purpose.
“As well as that debate, we will be holding a range of hustings across all of our regions early in the New Year. This will give candidates the opportunity to speak to as many of our members as possible in the run up to the elections.
“We would ask that if anyone is planning to run for either President or Vice President that they let me know, 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.
“For those keen to learn what the roles entail, full descriptions of what is expected of a Vice President and President are available on our website as guidance. For those keen to represent their fellow Scottish farmers, these are the most respected positions in our sector.”
