Six candidates have now confirmed they will stand in NFU Scotland's Presidential elections in February - three for the President post, and three for the two Vice President posts.

Current President Allan Bowie, who farms in Fife and Stirlingshire, will complete his first two-year term at the Union's forthcoming AGM and has indicated that he will be standing for election for a second two-year term.

Both Vice Presidents, Rob Livesy from the Borders, who was first elected to the position in 2013, and Dumfriesshire farmer Andrew McCormick, who was elected to the position in February 2015 for the first time, have confirmed they will stand for President in the up and coming elections.

Three new candidates have come forward, putting their hat into the ring to contend for two Vice President positions.

Dumfries and Galloway Regional Chairman, Gary Mitchel, a past chairman of the Milk Committee, and Less Favoured Areas Committee Chairman Martin Kennedy, who farms in Highland Perthshire have both indicated they will be standing for Vice President.

South Lanarkshire farmer Tom French, NFUS' Forth and Clyde Regional Chairman, has also stepped forward to contend for Vice President.

Market round-up

United Auctions sold 402 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 282p per kg and an average of 207.6p (+8.8p on the week), while 641 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 259.4p and levelled at 210.3p (+1.3p). Forty-six store B&W bullocks sold to 158.9p and averaged 129.7p (+1.6p), while 41 store bulls peaked at 217.6p and levelled at 196.3p (no comparison).

In the rough ring 149 beef cows sold to £1190 per head and 140p per kg to average 110.2p (-1.3p), while 42 dairy cows peaked at £825 and 130.8p to level at 73.7p (-30.4p).

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 20 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 230p and an average of 194.6p.

There were 92 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows sold to £1463.70 and 138p to average 102.2p, while dairy cows peaked at £910 and 127p to level at 85.1p.

The firm also sold 1384 prime lambs to a top of £85 per head and 198p per kg to average 165.1p (-8.7p).

The 402 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £77.50 for Texels and average £54.41 (-£4.91), while light ewes peaked at £48.50 for Blackfaces and levelled at £32.18 (-£6.27).

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1802 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £92 and 195.2p to average 165.3p (-3.7p).

There were also 326 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £88 for Beltex and £53.50 for Blackfaces.