Who’s going where?

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Malcolm Mathieson The Crofting Commission has announced that Commissioner Malcolm Mathieson has been appointed Convener, after the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands invited Commissioners to select a new Convener. The new appointment is due to the resignation of Rod MacKenzie from both the post of Convener and Commissioner from the East Highlands. This change in Convener will remain until the election of a new Board in 2022. “Like all organisations, the past 12 months have been difficult with very little access to Great Glen House and staff having to adjust to home working. This has brought about challenges to the Commission, but our staff have risen to that challenge and there are some exciting projects currently being undertaken which will continue to improve our operating performance over the next nine months,” said Commissioner Mathieson. Hannah Baker Hannah Baker has joined NFU Scotland, taking on the role of Policy Manager for Livestock and LFA. She will lead on a broad policy portfolio covering all livestock issues affecting NFUS members and will be responsible for service to the Union’s Livestock and Less Favoured Area committees and related working groups. A qualified rural surveyor (RICS) and a member of the Scottish Agricultural Arbiters’ & Valuers’ Association (SAAVA), Hannah joins the Union from Davidson & Robertson where she worked for 4 years across Argyll, the Central Belt, and the Borders as a senior surveyor. She graduated from Harper Adams University with a degree in Rural Estate and Agricultural Land Management. Grant Bisset Agriforest Ltd has appointed Grant Bisset as their Harvest Operator & Site Foreman. Agriforest was founded in 2016 by Douglas Mathison. The forestry company specialises in managing small to medium sized farm and estate woodlands in

Scotland and the North of England. As their newest hire,

Grant brings with him 28 years’ experience in arboriculture as a climbing arborist. He has a deep understanding of the fores…t industry and will now be responsible for all manner of sites, from complex forestry work and utilities to farm and estate opportunities.

Stephen Mackie

Continuing to build on its farming presence across Scotland, Virgin Money has appointed a new Agri Customer Relationship Manager to work across Ayrshire and the South West of Scotland. Stephen Mackie, who has worked in various roles within Virgin Money and previously Clydesdale Bank for over 35 years ago, will use his in-depth knowledge of the business and agricultural sectors to support clients, as the industry undergoes a period of significant change. This appointment highlights Virgin Money’s commitment to employing the very best talent available to further strengthen its agricultural division.

To drive their rural support and agricultural financing strategy, the bank’s highly experienced advisors provide localised, specialist guidance to farmers across the UK. Virgin Money’s proactive team delivers diverse financial products, to help future-proof farming enterprises at all levels.

Andrew Joret

The British Egg Industry Council has announced that Andrew Joret has been re-elected Chairman of the BEIC, supported by: Elwyn Griffiths, BEIC Deputy Chairman; Duncan Priestner and James Baxter, joint BEIC Vice-Chairmen; Jeffrey Vergerson, BEIC Treasurer; with Mark Williams continuing his role as BEIC Chief Executive and Secretary.

Welcoming his reappointment, Andrew Joret reflected on the positive state of the industry and his hopes for the future:

“While the pandemic saw a sharp rise in egg consumption with around 8bn* eggs sold at retail last year, an increase of more than 1bn on pre-pandemic levels, there has been consistent long-term growth for more than a decade. Overall, the industry remains in a good place and perfectly positioned to capitalise on growing consumer appreciation of the health benefits of eggs, as well as their convenience.”

New Crofting Development team

The Crofting Commission has seen a welcome expansion to establish a crofting community-focused Crofting Development Team. The new team transforms the way the Commission can support and engage with crofters and the location of the two new officers within the Western Isles means they are well placed to do so.

The Commission is also in the process of strengthening its Residency and Land Use team, with two new officers soon to join the team. The four new appointments will expand the organisation’s capacity to work with crofting communities and see an increase in active crofts.

The two new Residency and Land Use casework officers will contribute to the teams work on the enforcement of crofting duties.

Malcolm Mathieson, Convener of the Commission board highlighted: “Enforcement of crofting duties is a top priority for the organisation and we are committed to the strengthening of this important Commission function.”