Congratulations to James

Guild member James Withers is the new chief executive of NFU Scotland.

He steps up to the position on April 7, having been deputy chief executive for since 2005.
The much deserved promotion sees James -- who also is the union's communications -- take over from Andy Robertson who left last month after four years.

Union president Jim McLaren said: “I am delighted that, after what has been the most thorough and exhaustive selection process I have ever been involved in, to announce the appointment of James Withers to this vital role within NFUS and Scottish agriculture.

“Some commentators may wonder why the process was required at all, when the successful candidate was sitting in the same office. In order for the new Chief Executive, whoever he or she had turned out to be, to have credibility and a clear mandate, it was essential that he or she was the best of the best from a field of over 30 candidates from the UK and beyond.

“James Withers is that person, and he has my full support and confidence, along with that of the Presidential Team and the NFUS Board of Directors.”

James said: “I’m obviously delighted to take up this role at what is a critical time for the whole industry. This Union has made its name over nearly a century in providing a powerful voice for the agricultural industry and rarely has it been more important for that voice to be heard. There is no escaping the pressures on some sectors at the moment; regulatory, financial and animal health pressures are dominating NFUS work just now. But there is also no escaping the opportunities that stem from a renewed passion in this country for food and drink and the global trends which have thrust farming back into the political and public limelight.

“All of this presents a huge challenge for the Union going forward, but my confidence comes from having a genuinely talented staff team to work with, both at Ingliston and in our offices across the country. That, twinned with the enthusiasm and dedication of the presidential team, Board and every member who sacrifices some of their time to NFUS, makes me extremely optimistic for the road ahead.”