The Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) has appointed Alan Hutcheon as its new president.
The IAAS said Hutcheon has over 40 years’ experience in the industry as an auctioneer and in livestock market management.
Hutcheon will assume the role from Donald Young as he ends his three-year tenure.
The institute said its council has also been restructured at this time and joined by new elected members which “represent the breadth of the industry”.
Speaking on his appointment, Hutcheon said: “I’ve been in the industry for a long time and have enormous respect for the work of the institute as a representative voice for what matters to all of us in this sector.
“It’s an honour to take up this position. The industry has its fair share of challenges and I’m looking forward to working with Neil, the council and our members to secure and enhance the future of the marts and be a constant voice on their relevance to Scottish agriculture and food security.
“Price discovery is at the heart of this, and nowhere is this more fair, transparent and simple than in the auction system.”
Executive director of IAAS, Neil Wilson, said: “The insights, experience and enthusiasm for the industry that Alan brings with him, as well as an enviable network of contacts across the supply chain, will be an enormous asset to the Institute and the appointment is great news for members.
“I’d like to thank Donald personally as well as on behalf of the membership for his support to me as executive director.
“Over the last three years, he has worked both behind the scenes and out front through changing times to increase the effectiveness of the Institute and ensure its voice is heard in the most important conversations.”
Hutcheon’s ambition for the future of the marts is to progress the use of EID tagging in all Scotland’s marts to improve efficiency, staff safety and make savings, IAAS said.
New structure
The new structure of the IAAS council now includes members of the Young Auctioneers group to “represent the next generation of auctioneers and valuers, with a view to bringing different experience and perspectives to the board table,” it said.
The new council includes Hutcheon as its president; Christopher Sharp of United Auctions; Grant MacPherson of Dingwall and Highland Marts; Oliver Shearman of Caledonian Marts; Grant Anderson of H&H; Brian Ross of Lawrie & Symington; and Andrew Hunter Blair of Craig Wilson.
“Working across the differing regions of Scotland, IAAS has invested in its education and examination structure to nurture the talent and skill of new, up-and-coming auctioneers and valuers,” IAAS said.
“Under Mr Wilson’s directorship, it has also initiated a Young Auctioneers group designed to support leadership, networking and sharing of knowledge to benefit the whole industry.
“The institute’s purpose is to advocate and raise awareness of the crucial role of the livestock market system in Scotland’s rural economy.”
