NFU Scotland announces new president and vice-presidents following election

Mr Connon will hold office for two years. Mr Macalister and Mr Neill will initially serve for two years before the post reverts to an annual election.

The new president of NFU Scotland, Andrew Connon, commented on the news: “It is an incredible honour to have been elected, and I promise that I will do my utmost to serve Scotland’s farmers and crofters to the best of my ability, striving to meet the incredibly high standards of those who have held this post before me.

“There are difficult and challenging times ahead, but Duncan, Robert and I have been given a clear mandate by members to represent them, and we are honoured to carry their message forward.

“I believe we have a top table team, who, backed by the members, staff and secretaries, have the vision to deliver a sustainable and profitable future for Scotland’s farmers and crofters and the generations to come.

“My predecessor Martin Kennedy has been an incredible servant for Scottish agriculture, and his passion and commitment make him an incredibly tough act to follow.”

Mr Connon farms in partnership near Ellon in Aberdeenshire on 370 acres, where the main enterprises involve finishing cattle, breeding and finishing sheep, and growing spring barley.

He is a long-standing member of NFU Scotland New Deer Branch and a former branch chair. He represented the North East Regional Board for several years, elected vice-chair (2017) and chair (2020).

In February 2021, Mr Connon was elected NFU Scotland vice-president. He was re-elected in February 2023 and was unchallenged in February 2024.

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