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AGM and Dinner – Dunblane 2nd March 2013

As we move into 2013 we have to say farewell to our Chairman of four years, Jimmy Sinclair, as he steps down. Jimmy will be remembered for his enthusiasm for supporting the NSA and gathering new faces from far and wide. Moving into the chair is Sybil McPherson, the first lady in many years to become Chairperson. Sybil was previously joint Vice-Chairperson alongside Ian Hepburn, who was voted back as Vice-Chairman.

The AGM was mainly focused on the fact that the Scottish Sheep Industry requires increased funding to help promote and market Scotch lamb as a premium product. This would help combat one of the leading factors affecting the sheep industry at present– the price of lamb. Development officer George Milne said Richard Lochhead announced £ 250,000 was going to be given for the short-term promotion and marketing of Lamb in Scotland and another £750,000 for Scotch branding lamb, beef and pork. But the repatriation of levy funds is vitally important for Scottish sheep farming. It is only fair to get the money back for us to promote our own lamb. The reality is we need more money to market and promote Scotch lamb.

The NSA Scottish region was thankful to Laurent Vernet from QMS for taking time to do a presentation on Scotch Lamb – The brand of the Scottish Sheep Industry. Some of the key facts Laurent highlighted included; there is only 52% of lamb born and killed in Scotland, so we are effectively losing 48% of the levy money. Scotland as a nation eat 2.2kg of lamb per person per year compared to the UK figure of 4.5kg – this is a difference of 5.2million people. If Scotland consumed at the UK rate that would require 12,000 tonnes of lamb to feed the people.

QMS promotion and marketing – Behind the label – Laurent highlighted that one of their aims was to promote the farmer and communicate this with the press. They have started this through outdoor campaigns (watch out for posters at bus stops near you!). QMS aim to help supermarkets get the Scotch logo present in the stores, not to mix Scotch with other products and teaching the staff how to promote it. Lamb tastings will take place in Tesco’s, Sainsbury’s and Kosco’s. QMS have managed to get Lamb on the main menu at one of the biggest catering shows of the year at the SECC called ‘Scothot’, where well known chefs will be using only lamb in their dishes.

Fund raising at AGM Dinner

Successful purchasers on the night include:

One day on a steam train special for two people including full lunch, Kindly donated by John Cameron was sold to Mr Howard Venters £400.

Round of Golf for four at the Buchannan Castle Golf Club, Kindly donated by Mr John MacDougall. Sold for £150 to Mr and Mrs Gauld.

Limited edition hand crafted crook, Kindly donated by the NSA Scottish region to Mr John Hamilton £320.

Show tickets for one day, VIP lunch and car pass for two people OR four tickets for one day at the Royal Highland Show 2012, kindly donated by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society. Sold for £175 to Mr Alan Gray.

A One Night Complimentary Bed & Breakfast Stay for 2 guests including 15 Days Parking At The Quality Hotel Edinburgh Airport, Kindly donated by The Quality Hotel Edinburgh Airport. Bought by Mr George Milne, £60

Two tickets for Hospitality to watch Rangers at Ibrox, game of your choice was chapped down for £200 to Mr Alisdair Fletcher.

Oil Painting of the ‘Upper Reaches of the Teviot Valley’, kindly donated by Mr L M Clark (Scottish Sporting Artist) bought by NSA Chief executive Mr Phil Stocker.

Charcoal sketch of Pheasants by Mr L M Clark, was bought by Mrs Velma Jarron £35.

Hand painted drawing on grass fibre by Mr L M Clark, was sold to Mr Nigel Millar £150.

Mrs Patsy Hunter won the top raffle prize of one night B&B for 2 guests mid-week at the Dunblane Hydro.

The Auction raised £1710 and the total amount raised on the night including the raffle was £2382.

The NSA Scottish Region this year has decided to donate £1500 to the ‘Moffat First Response Unit’, the charity of choice of the family of the late Willie Davidson, Poldean Moffat. Mr Davidson hosted Scotsheep in 2004.

The remainder of the money raised will be used for Young Shepherd initiatives in the region.