Farmstrong Scotland has strengthened its board with two new appointments. Moray farmer and butcher Jock Gibson, a member of the steering committee who helped launch the charity, takes on the role of Vice Chair. New to the board and bringing a wealth of financial expertise is former RBS Director of Agriculture, Roddy McLean.
Jock, who farms beef cattle and runs the renowned MacBeth’s butcher in Forres, has been involved with Farmstrong since its early days and brings a deep personal commitment to the charity's mission of enabling and growing a culture of wellbeing within the Scottish agricultural community. A Nuffield Scholar and Graduate of the Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme, he firmly believes that networks and grassroot programmes, such as Farmstrong, are fundamental to supporting the future of the agricultural sector.
A familiar face to many within the industry, he is known for his willingness to speak openly about his own wellbeing - something that sits at the heart of what Farmstrong stands for.
Commenting on his appointment, Jock said: “Farmstrong is going from strength to strength and I'm delighted to be taking on the role - it's new ground for me and a genuine challenge, but when you're surrounded by the quality of people we have on the board and in the team, that makes it a lot easier. I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do together to continue normalising wellbeing conversations and building resilience in the industry.
Roddy McLean joins the board bringing over four decades of experience spanning farm consultancy and agricultural banking. Born in Dunoon and educated at Aberdeen University where he graduated with a BSc in Agriculture, Roddy spent his career with SAC in farm consultancy across Morayshire and the Scottish Borders before joining Royal Bank of Scotland/NatWest where he rose to Director of Agriculture.
With two stepsons actively involved in farming, a sister farming in New Zealand, and a lifelong connection to the land going back to his school days working on farms in the Scottish Borders, Roddy brings both professional expertise and personal connection to the role.
On joining the board, Roddy said: "This industry and the people in it have given me so much over more than fifty years and helped shape who I am. The opportunity to join Farmstrong feels like the right way to give something back and I'm looking forward to contributing to such important work."
Farmstrong Scotland Chair and farmer John Scott welcomed both appointments: "Jock and Roddy bring exactly the kind of experience, passion and authenticity that Farmstrong is built on. Following a skills audit, we identified the need to further enhance our board with additional financial and business acumen, to complement the existing and wide-ranging skills that we have within the group, and reinforce our future strategic plans. We have a big fundraising target ahead of us, and it is vital our team, and the wider industry, have the board in place to ensureFarmstrong can continue to grow and support as many farmers and crofters as possible to improve their long-term wellbeing. I am looking forward to welcoming Roddy to the board and working with Jock in the newly appointed role."
Farmstrong delivers a preventative, action-based programme encouraging Scotland's farming and crofting community to take positive steps to feel good and function well. Through events, peer-led conversations, real life stories and practical free resources - all shaped directly by the people it serves - the goal has always been more than just getting by. It's about thriving.
