THE Membership Flame – a NFU Scotland award that recognises outstanding efforts in recruitment and retention of members - has gone to Jonathan Hogg and Graham Laing from Dingwall and Thurso offices.

This is the third year in a row that the offices have received the accolade for surpassing annual subscription targets. With the help of Lynn Sinclair, the secretaries finished 2023 having recruited 25 new members and taking their total to 582 across three branches - Inverness West and Ross, Caithness, and Sutherland.

NFU Scotland Highland regional manager, Ian Wilson, said Dingwall and Thurso’s large membership makes them the 'busiest offices in the Highland region.'

He said: “Winning the Flame Award for the third year in a row is a fantastic achievement and very well deserved.

“My congratulations go to Jonathan and Graham, for their recruitment drive throughout 2023. Sadly, due to other commitments, the secretaries were unable to receive their award in person at NFU Scotland’s Annual Dinner so I’m grateful to Mark McCallum, Highland regional chair, for accepting on their behalf.”

Committee vice-chair for Highland region, Arnott Coghill, also sent his congratulations to Dingwall and Thurso offices.

He added: “They cover a large, diverse area and are deservedly celebrated for the third successive year. I'm sure Jonathan, Graham, and the whole team will be delighted to see their hard work recognised.”

It was, however, a close-call win, with Argyll, Bute, Arran, and Islay region led by secretary Euan Warnock, narrowly missing out.

READ MORE | First Minister gives agri funding clarity in NFUS speech

The Union’s unique local secretary network works on behalf of both NFUS and NFU Mutual. The team of dedicated staff consistently provides excellent service to members across the nine Scottish regions.

Departing after 16 years as NFU Scotland secretary for Ayr was Ronnie Mercer, who began his retirement in April 2023. This year’s National Conference, AGM, and Annual Dinner is also the last for Murray White from the Elgin office, who is due to retire later this year after 42 years in office, also, for Shetland secretary Margaret Farquhar, who has passed the baton to Darren Stewart, after 30 years in the role.

Other long-service achievements include Vicky Carmichael from Duns office, who celebrates her 30th year at NFUS, and Keith Thom who has served 20 years at the Strathaven office.