Highland Perthshire farmer Martin Kennedy will stand unchallenged for the position of president of NFU Scotland at the union’s annual general meeting (AGM) on Friday, February 12, 2021.
Kennedy has served as a vice-president for four years. If approved by the union’s council, he will be elected to the post of president for a two-year term.
No other nominations for president were received by the deadline of Thursday, December 17.
Kennedy will succeed Andrew McCornick who has held office for four years, the maximum term allowed under the union’s constitution.
Four nominations for the two vice-presidential posts have been received. They are (in alphabetical order):
- Andrew Connon, North Quilquox, Ythanbank, Ellon, Aberdeenshire;
- Willie Harper, Gryffewraes, Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire;
- George Milne, Kinaldy, St. Andrews, Fife;
- Robin Traquair, Wellington Farm, Millerhill, Dalkeith, Midlothian.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, no physical hustings events will take place in January.
However, virtual events involving the candidates will be held on January 22 at 12:00pm to 1:30pm and on January 26 and January 28 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.
Zoom details will be circulated to members in due course.
‘It has been a privilege to represent NFU Scotland’
Kennedy said:
“It has been a privilege to represent NFU Scotland as vice-president, a role I have enjoyed immensely over the past four years.
I hope to be elected president by council in the new year. That would be a huge honour at a time when the changes, challenges and opportunities facing Scottish farmers and crofters are immense.
“These will be incredibly busy times for the union, and, if elected, I will be fully committed to driving forward the work NFU Scotland is doing on behalf of almost 9,000 members across Scotland.
“Strong teamwork has always been central to NFU Scotland lobbying efforts.
“There are four excellent candidates for the vice-presidential posts, and I encourage each and every member to take part in the forthcoming online hustings events, feeding back to their council members on who they believe is best suited to fill these influential posts when it comes to the vote on February 12,” he concluded.
