The Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) has elected Alan Hutcheon to the role of president. Mr Hutcheon brings more than 40 years of experience to the role as both an auctioneer and in livestock market management.
He assumes the role from Donald Young, who will end his three-year tenure. At this time, the IAAS council has been restructured, with newly elected members joining.
Mr Hutcheon, who is also non-executive director of ANM Group, said: “I’ve been in the industry for a long time and have enormous respect for the work of the Institute as a representative voice for what matters to all of us in this sector. It’s an honour to take up this position.
“The industry has its fair share of challenges and I’m looking forward to working with Neil, the Council and our members to secure and enhance the future of the marts and be a constant voice on their relevance to Scottish agriculture and food security. Price discovery is at the heart of this, and nowhere is this more fair, transparent and simple than in the auction system.”
The IAAS’s purpose is to advocate for and raise awareness of the role of the livestock market system in Scotland’s rural economy, as well as to support the professional development and recognition of its members. It works with politicians and government to influence regulation and further the interests of those in the sector.
Neil Wilson, executive director of IAAS, said: “The insights, experience and enthusiasm for the industry that Alan brings with him, as well as an enviable network of contacts across the supply chain, will be an enormous asset to the Institute and the appointment is great news for members. I’d like to thank Donald personally as well as on behalf of the membership for his support to me as executive director.
“Over the last three years, he has worked both behind the scenes and out front through changing times to increase the effectiveness of the Institute and ensure its voice is heard in the most important conversations.”
Mr Hutcheon’s ambitions for the future is to progress the use of EID tagging in all of Scotland’s marts to improve efficiency, staff safety and to make savings.
The IAAS council has also been restructured, and now includes members of the Young Auctioneers group to represent the next generation of auctioneers and valuers. The newly appointed council includes Christoper Sharp of United Auctions, Grant MacPherson of Dingwall and Highland Marts, Oliver Shearman of Caledonian Marts, Grant Anderson of H&H, Brian Ross of Lawrie & Symington and Andrew Hunter Blair of Craig Wilson.
Stepping down from the council are John Thomson of C&D Marts, Bruce Walton of Wallet Marts, John Fyall of Highland Rural and former presidents James Craig of Craig Wilson, William McCulloch of Caledonian Marts and Scott Donaldson of H&H.
For more information go to www.iaas.co.uk
