Three in a row for farming union's award-winning Thurso and Dingwall secretaries

NFU Scotland employees covering the Thurso and Dingwall offices have won the union's Membership Flame Award for the third year in a row.

The accolade recognises the "outstanding efforts" of Jonathan Hogg and Graham Laing in recruitment and retention of members, having again surpassed annual subscription targets.

With the help of Lynn Sinclair, the secretaries finished 2023 having recruited 25 new members, taking their total to 582 across three branches – Inverness West and Ross, Caithness and Sutherland.

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

He said: “Winning the Membership 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.

"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 chairman, for accepting on their behalf.”

Caithness farmer Arnott Coghill, committee vice-chairman for Highland region, also sent his congratulations to the Thurso and Dingwall offices.

He said: “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 a close call, however, with the Argyll, Bute, Arran and Islay region, led by secretary Euan Warnock, narrowly missing out.

The local secretary network works on behalf of both NFU Scotland and NFU Mutual.

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