NFU Scotland has appointed Teresa Dougall as Director of Regions.

Mrs Dougall, currently Regional Manager for Dumfries & Galloway, has taken up the new director of regions post, which will see her manage the team of regional managers at NFUS. She will also continue in her existing role as Regional Manager.

Welcoming the announcement, NFUS Chief Executive Scott Walker said: "Following a review of how our hugely important team at NFUS is managed, it was decided that it would benefit from a dedicated manager who would also become a member of the NFUS management team.

"Over the past three-and-a-half years. Teresa has been hugely influential in servicing the needs of members in one of our biggest regions. Teresa has also had an important role with stakeholders to deliver new and fresh initiatives locally such as the Dairy Women's Network, the Health and Wellbeing in the Farming Community Project and the region's Retired Farming Social Group.

"Given that experience, Teresa is the ideal person for an expanded roe where she is now responsible for the line management of the regional team as well as becoming a member of the NFUS management team."

Mrs Dougall said: "I am delighted to have been appointed as Director of Regions and look forward to working with the regional team, all NFUS staff and the Board of Directors to improve the team's role on the ground.

"However, this will not detract from my original role as Dumfries & Galloway Regional Manager and should, over time, allow us to improve our engagement and service to members across regions.

"In providing a voice on the management team, I will be looking to develop the very important role of our regional managers, both as team members and individuals, to ensure our members receive the best possible service."

Market round-up

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 159 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of £1140 per head and 260.5p per kg to average £751.51 or 188.9p (-5.3p on the week), while 215 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at£1180 and 295.5p to level at £788.84 or 201.6p (-3.2p). Thirty-seven store, B&W bullocks sold to £880 or 160.6p to average £534.59 or 129.8p (-2.3p).

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 3025 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £114 per head and 273p per kg to average 170p (+9.8p).

There was also a large show of 6096 cast sheep when heavy ewes sold to £155 for Texels and averaged £72.66 (+£2.26), while light/export-type ewes peaked at £70 for Blackfaces and levelled at £35.90 (+£2.98). Rams sold to £124 for a Beltex and averaged £67.18.