Longstanding reports of the National Beef Association’s imminent death in Scotland have been greatly exaggerated because it is stronger now than it was before its former Scottish Council was dissolved en-bloc in May.

l to r , NBA chief executive Robert Forster, NBA Scotland chairman Iain Mathers and NBA chairman Duff Burrell.

This is the cheerful view of NBA Scotland’s new chairman, Iain Mathers, after an extremely successful outing at the Winter Fair in Edinburgh last week.

Immediately before the Ingliston event the NBA had only six less members in Scotland than it had before it was reformed over the summer against a barrage of unfounded rumours that it would soon collapse due to the loss of both its membership and its income.

And a further surge in support from newly recruited members at the Winter Fair means that NBA Scotland has more backing than it ever had and is enjoying a net gain in membership too.

“There can be no doubt that the re-structuring of the NBA north of the Border has strengthened the Association’s standing at grass roots level and that these advances have been assisted by the genuine efforts its office holders and staff have made to further the well being of the Scottish beef farmer and of Scotland’s beef industry,” explained a jubilant Mr Mathers.

“At one stage I was worried that persistent, unfounded, attacks on the Association would undermine it but after last week’s very clear expressions of support I am now looking forward to enjoying the benefits of an expanded membership and the improved income benefits this brings.”

“Members, old and new, are enthusiastic about NBA Scotland’s determination to work more closely with Seerad, NFUS, QMS, and all other bodies, than was the case in the past and are encouraged by the benefits that this is already bringing.”

“Furthermore I have received nothing but praise for the national NBA’s recent efforts to curb the arrival of non-farm assured imports, prevent imports being mixed with home produced beef in supermarkets, or to maintain the only cross-Channel export link available for pedigree and breeding cattle.”

“These are solid, measurable achievements and further all-round benefits aimed at assisting and protecting Scotland’s beef farmers will soon be revealed.”

“On the down side I am extremely surprised and disappointed that NBA Scotland is still waiting for the return of its property, which includes a bank account, from the previous committee. When we receive this information we will be able to audit our accounts and then hold an AGM at which the membership will be fully informed of our progress,” Mr Mathers added.

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