THE Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) is to have its first Scottish president.

Aberdeenshire’s James Dick will take up the post next year, and hopes to shake up traditional views of the industry.

"I’d like to increase awareness of members’ capabilities both among the general agricultural industry and fellow professionals like solicitors, accountants and bank managers, with whom we work so frequently," he said.

"I want to encourage new entrants who maybe aren’t from traditional farming backgrounds as they bring a fresh perspective to the industry. It’s so important to ask challenging questions and encourage new approaches."

Mr Dick is from a non-farming background, although he has worked in the industry since graduating from Aberdeen University with a degree in agriculture, followed by a diploma in farm business organisation and management at the Scottish Agricultural College.

"My interest in rural matters stemmed from my mother encouraging me to have a summer job working on a local farm," said Mr Dick. "I’ve never looked back, becoming a Fellow of the CAAV in 1994 when I worked for Hayes McCubbin Macfarlane, and setting up my own business in 2000."

Formerly president of the Scottish Agricultural Arbiters and Valuers’ Association, Mr Dick plans to highlight the special skills that agricultural valuers have, which equip them to carry out work across a broad spread of rural matters.

He will work alongside Nick Millard, the current president, this year, and take over next year. Geoff Coster, senior agricultural valuation specialist at the Valuation Office Agency, is his junior vice president.

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