The Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI) has announced two new appointments to its board of trustees.
The charity, which provides emotional and financial support to Scottish farmers, has appointed Carole Brunton and Ian Hope to the board.
The two will “bring a wealth of agricultural experience and knowledge” with them, the RSABI said.
Hope and Brunton join RSABI chair, Jimmy McLean; vice chair, Jane Mitchell; and trustees Lois Newton; Sandy Hay; Stephen Young; Mairi Renwick Mackenzie; Patricia Glennie; and Christine Bowie on the board of trustees.
RSABI chair, Jimmy McLean, said: “We are very fortunate to benefit from a high calibre of trustees with a great balance of skills and experience, who give their time and expertise freely and make a huge contribution to the charity.
“This is a crucial time for RSABI in our mission to support people in Scottish agriculture and I am delighted to welcome our two new co-opted trustees who will play a very important role in furthering our efforts.
“Both Carole and Ian are exceptionally experienced and equally enthusiastic about the good work RSABI do.
“Equipped with the knowledge to support the effective running of the organisation, they each make an excellent addition to the board and are warmly welcomed as trustees.”
Ian Hope
Hope is the head of rural and property consultancy Galbraith, and has held positions relating to rural consultancy and management throughout his career.
He farms in Perthshire, and the RSABI said he is “passionate about making a difference to the farming industry in Scotland”.
Hope is enthusiastic about the work of RSABI and said he is looking forward to joining the board.
Carole Brunton
Brunton has 37 years of industry experience and is passionate about agriculture.
She began her career as an agricultural department secretary for Elmwood College before becoming a partner in her family’s farming business.
She continues to run the business with her husband, while also fulfilling her role as a project coordinator with RHET Fife.
In 2021, she was appointed to the role of honorary president of Fife & Kinross Distrcit Young Farmers.
The RSABI said it is looking to further expand its board, and will recruit two trainee trustees in the coming months.
