Nigel Miller NFU Scotland president

Current NFUS president Nigel Miller is stepping down

NFU Scotland’s vice presidents Allan Bowie and Rob Livesey have confirmed they are running for president in next February’s elections.

Nominations for other candidates are now open for the position, as current president Nigel Miller’s four-year term comes to an end. The application period closes at 5pm on Friday, 12 December 2014 and candidates will be announced at the Christmas press briefing on Tuesday 16 December 2014.

Hustings are set for early new year, and the election will take place at the Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews on 10 February 2015, by members of NFU Scotland’s council. The union’s AGM and annual dinner is being held in the same venue on 9 February.

Any NFUS member can be nominated for election, providing they are proposed and seconded by fellow NFUS members. Proposal forms should be sent to NFUS chief executive, Scott Walker, by Friday 12 December.

“The job of electing those who will fill our presidential seat and the two vice-presidential posts is now underway and we invite applications from those keen to help shape our farming industry in the years ahead,” said Walker.

“We will be holding a range of hustings across all of our regions early in the new year. This will give candidates the opportunity to speak to as many of our members as possible in the run up to the elections.

“We would ask that if anyone is planning to run for either president or vice president that they let me know, so that the union can provide support where possible. Making our wide network of branches and offices aware of all candidates will maximise the opportunities available to them to speak to the membership first hand.'

Details of the requirements of a vice president and president are available on the NFUS website.