Andrew Connon was elected president of National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland following a vote at the Union’s council meeting.

Connon succeeds Martin Kennedy, and the unsuccessful presidential candidate was Alasdair Macnab.

Connon will hold office for two years, and the current NFU Scotland constitution terms state that the maximum period any president is allowed to serve is two two-year terms

Duncan Macalister and Robert Neill were elected as the two vice presidents, and will initially serve for two years before the post reverts to an annual election.

After the election, NFU Scotland’s president Andrew Connon commented: “It is an incredible honour to have been elected and I promise that I will do my utmost to serve Scotland’s farmers and crofters to the best of my ability, striving to meet the incredible high standards of those who have held this post before me.

“There are difficult and challenging times ahead but Duncan, Robert and I have been given a clear mandate by members to represent them, and we are honoured to carry their message forward. 

“I believe we have a top table team, who, backed by the members, staff and secretaries have the vision to deliver a sustainable and profitable future for Scotland’s farmers and crofters and the generations to come.

“My predecessor Martin Kennedy has been an incredible servant for Scottish agriculture and his passion and commitment make him an incredibly tough act to follow.

“Although missing out, I also congratulate my fellow vice president Alasdair for the part he played in a hard-fought campaign and the outstanding shift he has put in as a vice president representing our members. While unsuccessful, I also congratulate Mike Davis for the courage and commitment to put his name in the hat for the vice-presidential role and I hope NFU Scotland can continue to rely on his enthusiasm, support and advice for years to come.”