Meet the Director – John Sinclair

John Sinclair has been involved in agriculture his whole life, and has been a RHASS Director for 11 years, having this year taken up the new role of Chief Steward of Public Safety at the Royal Highland Show. Running a successful farm business just outside of Edinburgh, John has years of experience both on the farm and on agricultural committees.

In our latest ‘Meet the Director’ blog, we spoke to John about his farming career, his role at the Show and why he would highly recommend getting involved with RHASS

Can you give us a brief summary of your career?
“I went to Edinburgh to do an HND in Agriculture, then came home to set up a contracting business but folded this to focus on the farm diversification after the death of my father in 1995.I built up Craigie's Farm Deli and Café with my wife Kirsteen, and we are currently looking at developing and growing this venture further.

I have served on various committees and organisations, the most notable being the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB). I was on The Farm Retail Association Council for 12 years and I also spent five years as treasurer and alumni of the very successful Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme.”

Have you always been involved in the agriculture industry? Did you grow up with it or did you naturally grow into it?
“I was born into it and have stayed at the same post code all my life. There was never any doubt in my mind that I would do anything else other than farm. However, I struggle to call myself a farmer any longer...”

How long have you been a Director of RHASS?
“I have been a Director for 11 years and have served on several committees, including Finance. I have chaired the food and drink committee for eight years and have now taken up the new role of Chief Steward of Public Safety.”

How are you involved each year at the Royal Highland Show?
“Up until this year I was very much involved with Scotland’s Larder Live!, testing all the food and drink to ensure that it was up to the right standard – a tough job, but someone has to do it! But seriously, my role involved organising visits for VIPs and politicians and showing them around the hall.My new role is very different - I am now focusing on the visitor experience and ensuring that it is not spoiled by health and safety red tape, but still ensuring that visitors’ safety is at the core of what we do.”

What are you most proud of achieving as a RHASS Director?
“I am most proud of delivering the best show in the country as part of an incredible team of staff, volunteers and directors.”

Why is what RHASS does still relevant today?
“Never has RHASS been more relevant - the public is becoming detached from how their food is produced, so the Show and the activities of Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET), the educational trust funded by RHASS, have never been more important in helping to bridge this gap.”

What advice would you give someone interested in getting involved with RHASS?
“Do it! You will meet a great bunch of people and make friends for life.”

If you want to know more about how to get involved with RHASS and how we can help you, don’t hesitate to get in touch on 0131 335 6200 or email : info@rhass.org.uk