QMS Board Appointments

A new chair and five new members have been appointed to the Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Board by the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment.

Richard Lochhead confirmed the appointments today ahead of speaking at the Agriscot event tomorrow.

Current NFU Scotland President Jim McLaren is to take over from Donald Biggar as the Chairman of QMS in April 2011. The other new board members, who will also join in April 2011, are John Scott, Johnny Mackey, David Sole and John Craig.

Alan McNaughton will join the Board immediately to fill the position left by Danny Miller, who resigned in February this year.

Mr Lochhead said: “I am delighted to appoint Jim as the new chair and bring Alan, John, Johnny, David and John on to the board of Quality Meat Scotland.  They will bring a wealth of expertise, experience and passion to the organisation.

“Quality Meat Scotland has an excellent track record of delivering real benefits for the Scottish red meat supply chain and it has been ably led by Donald and his board.  I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for all for their hard work.

“Jim’s leadership at NFUS has been hugely positive for Scottish farming.  I’m absolutely delighted that as that as chapter comes to a close, the sector will continue to benefit from his talent and energy.

“In the past, there has been criticism that there are no women on the board and I’m disappointed that this is the case again.  I know there are many women involved in the livestock industry who could make a valuable contribution and as a result, there will be a further round of appointments next year.”

Outgoing chair, Donald Biggar said: “I’m delighted that so many skilled applicants were interested in taking up these positions and I welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s selection of very well qualified and able individuals.

“I’m sure I echo the sentiments of the other board members who are standing down in April when I say that the organisation is in great shape and I’m sure it will continue to contribute to a sustainable and prosperous red meat industry in Scotland.

“Quality Meat Scotland carries out a huge and diverse workload and the new board has a lot to look forward to being at the helm of a dynamic and hard-working organisation. We wish Jim and the new board every success.”