Heather Wildman and Carole Brunton have been appointed as Chair and Vice Chair respectively of Women in Agriculture Scotland (WiAS) and will lead the organisation’s work to create a more progressive, successful, and inclusive industry.
Appointed at the recent Annual General Meeting, both Heather and Carole said they want their combined experience to help shape the focus of WiAS through the delivery of various regional events and workshops.
Based in Dumfries and Galloway, Heather has over 26 years’ experience of working with both farmers and agricultural stakeholders across the UK to meet industry challenges and changes head on. She became a RHASS Director in 2019 and in 2012 completed a Nuffield Farming scholarship on the topic: ‘Communication – influencing and motivating change’.
“I feel honoured to be elected Chair of Women in Ag Scotland, especially during a time when our agricultural industry has undergone an unprecedented upheaval in recent years and there are tough challenges ahead.
“For us to truly rise to these challenges, I believe the work of groups, such as WiAS, will become more important. During 2023, our focus will be to continue to build on the fantastic work the committee has done so far to increase the confidence of our members to achieve their aspirations and create a more progressive, successful, and inclusive industry. “
WiAS’s new Vice Chair Carole Brunton, based in East Neuk of Fife, is a Project Coordinator with the Royal Highland Education Trust alongside working on the family farm.
“This year we’ve really listened to our membership and have delivered four very successful events which included farm tours, workshops and networking. We’ve already started planning our events for next year, and I would strongly encourage anyone – male or female – to become a member and be the first to know when tickets go on sale.”
In addition to the new leadership team, WiAS – which has over 750 registered members – elected three members to join the Committee to serve a three-year term.
Ailsa Smith, Doreen Anderson and Iona Smith bring a wide range of skills and experience in social media, governance, marketing, and facilitation to complement the existing committee.
Anyone looking to become a member of Women in Ag Scotland, and stay up to date with news and events, can do so via their new website https://womeninagriculturescotland.com/.
