The National Farmers’ Union of Scotland (NFUS) has made two new regional manager appointments for its Forth and Clyde and Ayrshire regions.
Sheena Foster will take on the role at the union’s Forth and Clyde region. The union said Foster is well known to the region, having been brought up on a local farm at Strathaven in south Lanarkshire.
Before joining NFUS, Foster was a national manager for the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Club (SAYFC) for five years and was also the chair and secretary of both East Kilbride Young Farmers and Lanarkshire District.
Foster said she believes her role at SAYFC has given her “invaluable experience” in coordinating and recruiting, as well as organising and promoting events.
“Alongside my work on behalf of farmers in Forth and Clyde, I look forward to working with partners, supporters, stakeholders and external organisations to make sure the voice of food and farming across the whole supply chain in Forth and Clyde is loud and clear,” she said.
NFUS’ national operations manager, James Buchanan, said he was pleased to have Foster joined the NFUS Forth and Clyde team as regional manager.
“Sheena is already known to many of the members and joined us at the recent Forth and Clyde AGM and hustings at the start of this month.
“It is great it welcome someone on board who has a connection to many of the members in the region and beyond.
“I ask the membership to make themselves known to Sheena at the events and meeting throughout the year and I know Sheena is looking forward to working with regional chair, Mark Donald, to make sure the views and opinion of the Forth and Clyde region are well represented.”
Foster is taking over the role of regional manager from Lisa Roberts, who departed from the role in November of 2022.
Ayrshire
Holly Fitzsimmons has been appointed to the role of regional manager for NFUS’s Ayrshire region.
Fitzsimmons was brought up on a local farm in the area and has a bachelor’s degree in applied animal science.
Commenting on the experience she will bring to the role, Fitzsimmons said: “Having been brought up on a working Ayrshire dairy, beef and sheep farm, I have gained valuable hands on experience and an understanding of the social and economic issues facing farmers in Ayrshire.
“My previous roles within the region have developed my understanding of how changes within the industry have an impact across the supply chain from manufacturing, to the farmer, as I look to help the farmers of Ayrshire navigate some of the big challenges and opportunities they face in the years ahead.
“I look forward to getting out into the region to meet members, hear their views, and ensure that we get maximum input from them on the many important issues for Ayrshire.”
Commenting on Fitzsimmon’s appointment, Buchanan said: “I am pleased to welcome Holly to the NFU Scotland Regional Team as our new regional manager for Ayrshire.
“I am delighted to welcome Holly onboard at NFU Scotland and I hope the membership take the opportunity to introduce themselves to Holly at the various events and meetings throughout the year.
“With newly elected regional chair John Kerr in post and now a new regional manager on board I hope the membership engage with both and ensure the issues in the region are driven forwards.”
