NFU Scotland announces five presidential candidates for 2025
© Adobe Stock NFU Scotland has announced five candidates competing for the roles of president and vice president ahead of the union’s AGM on 7 February 2025.
The current vice presidents, Andrew Connon and Alasdair Macnab, will contest the position of president, following Martin Kennedy’s completion of his four-year term.
Three candidates, Michael Davis, Duncan Macalister, and Robert Neill, have been nominated for the two vice president posts.
See also: Scottish government pledges £660m to support farmers
NFU Scotland CEO John Davidson encouraged all NFUS members to actively participate in the hustings events, where candidates will present their plans and engage with members across Scotland.
He said: “Strong teamwork has always been central to NFU Scotland’s lobbying efforts.
“We have excellent candidates for the president and vice presidential posts, and I encourage each and every member to take part in the forthcoming hustings events in January.”
These husting events will be key in shaping the vote for these influential roles, which will impact the union’s direction over the next two years.
The candidates
Andrew Connon
Andrew Connon © NFUS
Farming in Aberdeenshire, Mr Connon runs a mixed operation on 370 acres. He has extensive experience in agricultural finance and business management, including roles with NWS Bank and JCB Finance.
“Having come up through the branch structure, to region, then to main board and eventually vice president, I feel I can relate to our diverse membership of farmers and crofters.
“My wide experience of practical farming across sectors combined with a commercial career of more than 30 years has already proven so relevant as a VP and can only add to my skill set as president,” said Mr Connon.
He has been NFU Scotland vice president since 2021 and is involved in several commodity committees.
Alasdair Macnab
Alasdair Macnab © NFUS
Mr Macnab farms in Dingwall and is known for his pedigree Limousin herd and nature restoration work.
A former government vet, he has served as NFU Scotland vice president since 2023, overseeing policies on climate and land use.
Mr Macnab said: “As a working farmer, I have wide knowledge and experience of the operational demands and the many other characteristics of Scottish and GB farming and crofting industry, marketing, and food processing sectors.
“If elected, I undertake to build on the lobbying and partnership successes of previous presidents, and work to strengthen our position as the go-to organisation that represents farmers, crofters, land managers, and other stakeholder members.”
Michael Davis
Michael Davis © NFUS
A first-generation farmer, Mr Davis grows crops in Aberdeenshire across 220 acres and is committed to addressing young farmers’ challenges.
Mr Davis said: “I have been involved in agriculture all my working life and understand first-hand the challenges farming, crofting and the wider rural community is facing.
“I respect NFU Scotland, its staff, and officials, but feel now is the time for an injection of new blood and thinking.
“I now have the time, skills and financial stability to work tirelessly for every member of NFU Scotland to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry and the way of life we love.”
He has been an NFU member for more than 13 years and is particularly focused on practical regulatory solutions.
Duncan Macalister
Duncan Macalister © NFUS
Mr Macalister farms a 2,000-acre coastal mixed LFA livestock farm on the west coast of the Kintyre peninsula.
He has been involved with NFU Scotland for more than 25 years and currently chairs the Argyll and Isles region.
Mr Macalister said: “I would welcome the opportunity to be part of the team that will allow Scotland’s farmers to flourish and have an industry we can be proud of.
“The membership-led organisation of NFU Scotland aligns with my values and I am keen to motivate members to have a voice in all levels of the union.
“Having been part of the NFU Scotland Board for the past five years, I have direct experience working alongside board members and the presidential and policy teams.”
Mr Macalister has experience negotiating environmental and infrastructure issues, including with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency.
Robert Neill
Robert Neill © NFUS
A tenant farmer on the Lothian Estate in the Scottish Borders, Mr Neill runs a mixed operation with cereals and suckler cows.
He has served in multiple leadership roles within NFU Scotland, including as chair of the South of Scotland and Borders Valuers Association.
Mr Neill said:“As a third-generation farmer with experience working in various sectors of the agricultural industry and having taken advice from many people along my farming journey, I would like to use this knowledge to give something back to the industry.
“I am passionate and positive about the future of agriculture in Scotland, and I would relish the opportunity to contribute towards shaping the future of the industry for the next generation, to enable them to have a bright and profitable future,” he said.
Hustings dates and locations
NFU Scotland members are encouraged to attend the regional hustings events to hear from the candidates and ask them questions about their candidacies. Exact locations and timings can be found on the NFUS website.
- 8 January: East Central (Perth)
- 9 January: Ayrshire (Kilmarnock)
- 10 January: Argyll & Islands (Tarbert)
- 13 January: Highland (Dingwall)
- 14 January: Forth & Clyde (Stepps)
- 15 January: North East (Inverurie)
- 16 January: Dumfries & Galloway (Castle Douglas)
- 20 January: Lothian & Borders (Lauder)
- 21 January: Shetland (Lerwick)
- 22 January: Orkney (Kirkwall)