Scott Walker new NFU Scotland chief executive

The new chief executive of NFU Scotland has been announced as Scott Walker.

Mr Walker succeeds James Withers who is leaving the NFUS on 26 August after four years in the role.

He has worked for the union for 17 years and is currently policy director.

Announcing the appointment, NFUS President Nigel Miller said: “I am delighted that, after what has been the most thorough and gruelling selection process, to announce the appointment of Scott Walker to this vital role within NFUS and Scottish agriculture.

“Some commentators may wonder why the process was required at all, when – for the second time in a row – the successful candidate was sitting in the same office.  

“In order for the new Chief Executive, whoever he or she had turned out to be, to have credibility and a clear mandate, it was essential that they were the best of the best from a field of more than 40 candidates from the UK and beyond.”

Mr Walker said he was looking forward to building on the fantastic work that Mr Withers had done.

“In today’s changing economic environment it is important that Scottish agriculture has a strong voice in both political and commercial circles.  

“NFU Scotland has built a strong and growing reputation for identifying workable and pragmatic solutions to the problems that face our members.”