RHASS, the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland, has announced its new Presidential team for 2025/26 with the Initiative team planning to shine a spotlight on Aberdeenshire.

Through a series of events and activities, culminating at the 2026 Royal Highland Show, the team will highlight eight key pillars for the region: agriculture, food and drink, whisky, tourism (including walking, cycling and golf), education, health, culture and heritage.

As part of their term, the team will also undertake fundraising for the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC), to support the Big Build and the development of their new headquarters at the showground; the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Fund (RSABI), with whom they will work closely at the Show to highlight the importance of vital health screening; and RHASS.

Leading the Initiative is a distinguished team with Pat Machray OBE serving as President. Pat farms near Inverurie where he has a flock of Pedigree Suffolk Sheep. He has held previous roles as CEO of Johnston Carmichael, Chair and Chief Executive of ANM Group, one of Scotland’s largest and most progressive producer-owned co-operatives and is also former President of the Suffolk Sheep Society.

Those joining Pat are Vice Presidents Dave Green, Dr Robert Lovie, Robert Maitland and Anna Mitchell, along with The Rev Ken MacKenzie LVO, as Chaplain, all of whom are leading figures within communities across Aberdeenshire.

The RHASS Presidential team serve for one year and is made up of ambassadors from the regional ‘host’ area where the Royal Highland Show would have traditionally been held when it travelled annually before it moved to its permanent site at Ingliston, Edinburgh in 1960. The last touring Show in 1959 was held at Duthie Park in Aberdeen.

Each year, a President, four Vice Presidents and a Minister are appointed from one of the eight rotating regions. The team also have the opportunity to put on what is called the ‘President’s Initiative’ which allows them to ‘fly the flag’ for their region.

Pat Machray, President of RHASS for 2025/26 said: “Aberdeenshire produces 20% of Scotland’s food and drink, with world-renowned whisky and agriculture at its core. We also boast stunning scenery, rich heritage, and vibrant tourism opportunities. Through our initiative and at the Royal Highland Show, we are aiming to spotlight the region’s strengths and help drive future trade.

“On a personal note, some of us have faced prostate cancer, and we know rural communities can be slow to seek health checks. That’s why we’re also proud to be working with RSBAI to raise awareness of the importance of screening.”

James Logan, Chair of RHASS Council , said: “It’s with great delight that we welcome the new Presidential team for Aberdeenshire on-board. Aberdeenshire is a central hub for our food and drink production across Scotland and indeed across the world and we’ve no doubt that the team’s enthusiasm and passion for the region will shine a great light on the exciting progress being made. Each year, our Presidential team work tirelessly as ambassadors for RHASS to drive awareness and conversations around key topic areas central to the sector and we’re very much looking forward to seeing our new team’s plans coming to life over the next 12 months.”

Pat Machray OBE

Pat farms near Inverurie where he has a flock of Pedigree Suffolk Sheep. He has held previous roles as CEO of Johnston Carmichael, Chair and Chief Executive of ANM Group, one of Scotland’s largest and most progressive producer-owned co-operatives and was Chair of SRUC and Scottish Enterprise Grampian. He is also

former President of the Suffolk Sheep Society and Chair of Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen. He was also awarded the Elevator Aberdeen Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.

Dave Green

Chief Executive of Duncan Farms near Turriff, farming over 12,500 acres across the North and North East, with enterprises including eggs and arable, supplying eggs direct to major retailers across the UK. He is also Managing Partner of renewable energy business Muirden Energy.

Dr Robert Lovie

A farmer’s son from Fraserburgh, Robert Lovie is well known across Scotland as both champion of the doric language and traditional culture and is Director for The Princes Foundation. He was previously property manager for the National Trust for Scotland at Fyvie Castle and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Aberdeen University for North East Culture in 2018.

Robert Maitland

Robert is a past Director of RHASS where he was Chief Steward of sheep shearing. Robert, with his family, farm near Inverurie where the business is involved with cattle, pigs, sheep and arable.

Anna Mitchell

Along with her husband, Ross, Anna runs Castleton Fruit Farm, one of the largest soft fruit enterprises in Scotland, as well as a successful restaurant and farm shop. She is also a director of producer-owned co-operative, ANM.

Rev. Ken MacKenzie

Is the minister of the Parish of Braemar and Crathie in Aberdeenshire and is a member of the Chapel Royal. He has provided pastoral and spiritual support to the Royal Family since 2005 and was recently made a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) for his services to the Monarch and members of the Royal family. He is lifelong supporter and life member of the Royal Highland Show having shown livestock there for his family in his youth.

 

The new Presidential team announcement follows the conclusion of RHASS’ 2024/25 Strathclyde Presidential Initiative, which raised £137k for four agricultural charities and held a number of events to highlight the sector’s drive towards Net Zero.

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