Euan and Anne Elected to Lead Association

Euan Bremner of Halkirk Young Farmers Club has been appointed National Chair of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs after their recent AGM in Newtonmore. The meeting which was held on Saturday the 25^th of April also saw a vote for the position of National Vice Chair and the appointment of 4 new Member Trustees for the National Board of Trustees.

Speaking on the day, Euan expressed how he was looking forward to his year as Chair:

“It’s a bit daunting but I’m excited for the year ahead. I’m hoping that the blue skies and the sunshine today are a sign that it will be like this all year and we’re going to have a fantastic year. I was probably a bit nervous this morning, it’s a big task but I think it’s going to be great fun and I’m just looking forward to enjoying the year.”

Euan takes over from Aberfeldy member Jillian Kennedy after a busy and successful year at the helm. Paying tribute to his predecessor, he highlighted the standards set during her time in office:

“One of the biggest things I’ve taken from Jillian is her organisation, along with how professional she is. Her professionalism is unreal, and that’s definitely something I’ve learned from and want to carry forward.”

In the lead up to the AGM, assemblies were held for the association’s three regional and six national committees. Euan is excited to see what these newly elected committees can achieve for their members:

“I think we have a great team of national committee chairs, vices and committee members this year. Jillian put in a lot of work last year developing members into these roles and I’m really excited to be working alongside them all. We’ve got some great projects coming up and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in. It all starts now, so I’m keen to get going.”

Joining Euan in the leadership team is Anne Craig, of East Kilbride Young Farmers Club, who was elected vice chair following a vote at the AGM. Anne brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role having just completed her year as Chair of the West Region and being a graduate of SAYFC’s Cultivating Leaders Programme.

She said:

“I’m honoured to have been elected national vice chair this year. I look forward to working with Penny, Euan, and the rest of this year’s SLT as we continue to strengthen the association. I’m confident Euan and I will work very well together, and I’m excited to see what he has in store for the year ahead. I’m also looking forward to meeting with more members across our clubs and districts.”

The AGM also saw the appointment of 4 new member trustees for the National Board. Mhairi Dalgliesh, Joanne Hall, John McCulloch and Lucy Orr. These 4 will join our National Board of Trustees responsible for setting and maintaining the vision, mission and values of the organisation. Steering the association from grassroots members to the national committees and staff.

SAYFC president Sheena Munro chaired the meeting, the first of her two-year tenure in the role.

In the week preceding the National AGM, assemblies were held by each of our 6 National Committees, the full list of appointments can be read below: