Martin Kennedy has been re-elected president of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland, after running unopposed.
Kennedy, a tenant farmer in Highland Perthshire, will serve another two-year term in the position. As the maximum term allowed for an individual to hold the presidential role under the union’s constitution is four consecutive years, it will be his last.
Commenting on his re-election, Kennedy said: “It is an immense privilege to be asked to serve NFU Scotland as president again, a role I have enjoyed immensely over the past two very difficult years where we have had to deal with a myriad of challenges from global to local spectrums.”
The vice-president positions for incoming term were also chosen at the union’s council meeting in Glasgow today (Friday, February 10), following a vote by members of NFU Scotland’s council.
Andrew Connon, who has held the position since 2021 has been re-elected, with Alasdair Macnab, who farms in Dingwall, joining him for the first time.
Robin Traquair, who has been vice-president since 2021, was the unsuccessful candidate in this category.
“I congratulate Andrew and Alasdair and thank Robin sincerely for the hard work and dedication he has shown to Scottish farming and crofting in the past two years,” Kennedy added.
“It is also worth making specific mention of the huge volume of time he spent on making our 2023 AGM (annual general meeting), dinner and conference a roaring success.
“Our membership has bestowed on myself, Andrew and Alasdair a huge honour at a time when the changes, challenges and opportunities facing Scottish farmers and crofters have never been so immense.
“These will be incredibly busy and significant times for the union as we strive to secure a sustainable, profitable future for Scottish agriculture. As a new look top team, we will remain fully committed to driving forward the work NFU Scotland is doing on behalf of more than 9200 members across Scotland.”
