Farming: NFUS on course for centenary

The search is on to elect the presidential team to lead the organisation which represents Scottish farmers, NFU Scotland, in its centennial year in 2013.

A year-long programme of events organised to mark the centenary will be launched at the union’s annual meeting on 11 February.

“This is a hugely exciting time for the union and the industry as we mark 100 years representing Scottish farmers, growers and crofters,” said chief executive, Scott Walker. “A number of initiatives are being prepared to ensure our celebrations leave a legacy.”

It is expected that the current president, Borders farmer, Nigel Miller, and his two vice-presidents, Fife farmers, Allan Bowie and John Picken, will seek re-election. Both Bowie and Picken could face a challenge from members with an eye on the presidency in two years’ time when Millar, if re-elected, will have to stand down.

The Scotsman’s agricultural editor, Andrew Arbuckle, is currently completing a history of the union which will be published next year.