Tributes to outgoing RHASS chief Stephen Hutt

The chief executive of the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), Stephen Hutt, is to leave his post at the end of April.

Stephen Hutt is leaving the RHASS for Green Highland Renewables. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Commenting on the move, the society’s chairman, Willie Gill said: “Stephen has been a huge asset to the society and will be sorely missed.

“Over the last five years we have seen record revenues, surpluses and capital investment and are pleased that he leaves the charity in such a strong position. We wish him every success in his new role.”

Gill said that Hutt, who was appointed in April 2011, had led RHASS through a number of significant changes.

“Most notably the redevelopment plans for the Royal Highland Centre; the expansion of the Society’s education charity – The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) – and the advancement of the society’s flagship event, The Royal Highland Show, which last year attracted close to 190,000 visitors – a record attendance for the premier agricultural event.”

With a financial background, Hutt also developed a successful strategy for the introduction of new commercial income streams on the Society’s 280-acre site adjacent to Edinburgh International Airport.

Hutt, who will be joining Perth-based Green Highland Renewables as chief financial officer, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Society and I’m proud of what has been achieved; particularly with regard to the development of the management team who are focused on delivering on the aspirations of the society.”