Sector leadership programme celebrates latest graduates and opens recruitment for 2026.

Professionals from across Scotland’s agriculture, food and drink and wider land-based industries have completed the latest Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders programme. Their achievements were celebrated at a recent graduation event at Apex Dunblane Hydro Hotel.

Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders was established in response to increased challenges and pressures facing the rural sector. With market volatility, regulatory change, workforce pressures and succession planning all now part of the ‘day-to-day’ for those in leadership positions, developing confident, capable leaders has never been more important.
Developed and supported by SAOS in partnership with NFU Scotland, the programme brings together mid to senior-level professionals from across the rural sector. It strengthens the leadership awareness, confidence and perspective needed by participants to guide their organisations through an increasingly complex environment.
Now entering its fifth year, the programme continues to support individuals who are already playing a key role and preparing to take on greater responsibility in operations, governance and strategic leadership.

Tim Bailey, Chief Executive of SAOS, said:

“Leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It requires commitment, collaboration and long-term investment in people.

“Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders was developed in response to feedback that our members and partners wanted more opportunities to strengthen leadership capability within their organisations. It has been encouraging to see the impact the programme is already having across organisations working in Scotland’s agriculture, food and drink and land-based industries.

“Better-equipped leaders mean that organisations are stronger and our rural economy is in better shape to face the challenges of tomorrow.”

The programme is delivered with the help of leadership specialists Tack TMI Leadership Factory, who work with participants throughout the programme to explore leadership behaviours, decision-making and team dynamics.

Participants complete a series of leadership modules, coaching and practical activities designed to strengthen self-awareness, communication and strategic thinking.

John Davidson, Chief Executive of NFU Scotland, added:

“Scotland continues to navigate a period of significant change, which makes resilient leadership increasingly important.

“Developing confident, capable people within organisations across Scotland’s agriculture, food and drink and wider land-based industries is essential if we are to respond effectively to both immediate and longer-term challenges.

“Programmes such as Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders provide a valuable opportunity to invest in the people who will help shape the future of our industries.”

Recruitment is now open for the next cohort beginning in October 2026, applicants can apply individually or by nomination by their organisation.

Further information can be found at:
https://saos.coop/events-and-training/growing-tomorrows-leaders/

Or by contacting:
emma.koubayssi@saos.coop

Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders Class of 2025_26
1. Alasdair Allan (Ally), Grampian Growers Ltd, Commercial Director
2. Alfie Comber, Kingdom Farming LLP, Assistant Business Manager
3. Caroline Ford Keast, Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society, Head of Registrations
4. Celine Delabre, NatureScot, Agriculture Officer
5. Emily Simpson, Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs, Development Officer
6. Erin Stewart, Angus Growers Ltd, Office Manager
7. Gregg Watson, Ringlink Scotland Ltd, Area Manager
8. Hamish Knottenbelt, Peacehill Farming Ltd, Arable Manager
9. Holly Fitzsimmons, NFU Scotland, Regional Manager
10. James Rome, East of Scotland Growers, Head of Agriculture
11. Jamie Smith, James Hutton Institute Scientific Services, Business Development for Breeding and Agri-Tech Services
12. Lauren Worrell, NFU Mutual – Argyll Agency, Agency Operations Manager
13. Matthew Macdonald, Ringlink Scotland, Area Manager
14. Mhairi Dawson, NFU Scotland, Regional Manager
15. Robbie Brown, WR HH Brown, Farmer
16. Vincent Huijing, Tarff Valley Ltd., Operations Manager

Pictured in the main image are the participants and invited guests at the celebrations at Dunblane Hydro. Credit: SAOS.