The National Sheep Association (NSA) Scottish Region welcomed members to its Annual Regional Members Meeting (ARMM) on Thursday in a hybrid format via the online platform ‘Zoom’ and in person, by kind permission of Donald Barrie, at the James Hutton Institute’s Glensaugh Research Farm, Laurencekirk.

The meeting was held to transact the election, reapproval and nomination of office bearers, representatives, regional trustees, directors and new committee members. In addition to this, attendees received the NSA Scottish Region Chair and Treasurer’s reports for the year 2022/2023.

Attendees voted the election, re-election and approval of regional committee comprising of Peter Myles as Regional Chair, Mary Dunlop as Regional Treasurer and Peter Myles and Pamela Nicol as Regional Trustees. James Scott was also elected as the Scottish representative for the NSA UK Policy and Technical Committee. The proposal was approved at this ARMM for the region to hold an empty Vice Chair position for the year 2022/2023.

Newly elected NSA Scottish Region Chair, Peter Myles comments: “It was with great relief to all involved, that NSA Scot Sheep was able to run in 2022 having been postponed since 2020 by the dreaded Covid-19. We had terrific organising committee and heartfelt thanks should also go to the McNee family and all who made the day such a success. Having received the draft accounts at this ARMM, I am confident the region will continue to go from strength to strength and look forward to offering members and the wider sheep industry many opportunities in 2023.

“The financial returns from NSA Scot Sheep 2022 have revived our regional funds considerably. NSA Scot Sheep 2024 planning is now underway at Aikengall Farm, Dunbar by kind permission of the Hamilton Family and I look forward to inviting all to another fantastic day out. I would like to sincerely thank those who have been committee members in the past who have stepped down from their positions for their hard work and welcome new committee members to NSA Scottish Region including our new Trustee Pamela Nicol. I am honoured to take on the role of NSA Scottish Region Chair and hope I can do the position justice.”

Following the business of the ARMM, NSA Scottish Region welcomed NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker who gave a comprehensive update on the activities and operations of NSA which also included an overview of the policy work carried out by the organisation at a national and devolved level. Grace Reid, NSA Scottish Region Coordinator provided a Scotland-specific policy update to attendees.

Prior to the meeting, a farm walk was enjoyed by attendees at the James Hutton Institute’s Glensaugh Research Farm where Farm Manager Donald Barrie gave an engaging overview to his management practices over a 20 year period and to how he sees the world of agriculture and trees today. Attendees agreed that despite being a chilly day, it was well worth the visit to engage with Donald and explore his undoubtable expertise when it comes to land management and making the most of what is at hand. Despite a focus on animal health and management techniques when it came to the Glensaugh deer enterprise, many questions were asked on the integration of trees and farming which included the well known debate on carbon credits, stocking densities, rotational grazing, muirburn, offsetting carbon, and also longer term strategy planning on farm. NSA Scottish Region would like to thank Donald for his time and very much look forward to returning to Glensaugh in the future.