RSABI Board Welcomes Two New Trustees

Roddy Low

Carole Brunton and Ian Hope, who have been co-opted to the RSABI board, each bring a wealth of agricultural experience and knowledge to the charity.

Ian Hope, Head of Rural at Galbraith, is an experienced business leader in the agricultural sector who has covered all aspects of rural consultancy and management during his career. Ian, who is a partner at Galbraith, also farms in Perthshire and is passionate about making a difference to the farming industry in Scotland. He is very enthusiastic about the work of RSABI and looking forward to joining the RSABI board.

Fife farmer Carole Brunton is passionate about agriculture and has 37 years of industry experience under her belt. Carole began her career as an Agricultural Department Secretary for Elmwood College before becoming a partner in the family farming business which she continues to run with her husband, while also fulfilling her role as a Project Co-ordinator with RHET Fife. 

In 2021 Carole was appointed the role of Honorary President of Fife & Kinross District Young Farmers, furthering her work to help fuel the younger generation’s passion for farming.

Carole and Ian join RSABI Chair Jimmy McLean, Vice-chair, Jane Mitchell, and trustees Lois Newton, Sandy Hay, Stephen Young, Mairi Renwick Mackenzie, Patricia Glennie and Christine Bowie.

“We are very fortunate to benefit from a high calibre of trustees with a great balance of skills and experience, who give their time and expertise freely and make a huge contribution to the charity,” said Jimmy McLean, Chair of RSABI.

“This is a crucial time for RSABI in our mission to support people in Scottish agriculture and I am delighted to welcome our two new co-opted trustees who will play a very important role in furthering our efforts.

“Both Carole and Ian are exceptionally experienced and equally enthusiastic about the good work RSABI do. Equipped with the knowledge to support the effective running of the organisation, they each make an excellent addition to the board and are warmly welcomed as trustees.”

RSABI is looking forward to further expanding its board in the coming months when the charity will be recruiting two trainee trustees.

RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support including counselling services, delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry. Its free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.

You can find further information on the RSABI website www.rsabi.org.uk.