THE BORDER Union Agricultural Society has announced the appointment of Mags Clark as its new Executive Director.

The appointment comes following the looming departure of Ron Wilson, who has stepped down from his role in running the society after 20 years of service.

Ms Clark, who was born in Galashiels, takes up her new position off the back of an extensive career in the agriculture, events and banking industries.

As Executive Director, her new responsibilities will include the day-to-day management of the Society.

She will also oversee the organisation of two of the Borders' largest agricultural events: The Border Union Show, where the largest sale of rams in the UK takes place, and the annual Championship Dog Show.

It’s an appointment that Douglas Stephen, Chairman of the Border Union Agricultural Society, has described as ‘ideal’ – whilst also praising the work of the outgoing Mr Wilson.

He said: “We believe that in Mags, we have found an ideal person to build on the successes the Society has enjoyed in recent years.

"She has a clear appreciation of, and empathy with the agricultural community as well as extensive experience in financial management, in the organisation of large events, and in the development of young people within the industry and we’re looking forward to working with her in the coming years.

“She takes over from Ron, to whom we all owe a huge debt of gratitude for the work that he has undertaken on the Society’s behalf over two decades.

"His dedication and contribution to the Society have been exemplary and we want to thank him sincerely for everything he, and his wife Joan, have done.”

Outgoing secretary Ron is delighted with his replacement.

He added: “I’ve known Mags for over nine years and believe she is ideally suited to building on the firm foundations we’ve established over the last 20 years in order to take the Society and Springwood Park and its events programme to a new level.

“While I’m stepping down from my role here, I will still be involved in agriculture, farming our herd of Romany Herefords and assisting with my son’s new farm diversification business, Fluffy Moos.

"I’m looking forward to attending the Border Union Show, and many other Springwood Park events, as a visitor and will look on with pride in the role I have played as the Society moves on to the next chapter in its development.”

Ms Clark begins in her new role in January, as she moves from South Lanarkshire to return to the Borders.

She has spoken of her pride at the new job, and says she’s looking forward to the continued growth of the society.

She said: “I’m delighted to be taking up such an important role. The Society has achieved a huge amount in recent years, but we know that there is still enormous potential for further development that will benefit not just the agricultural community, but the Borders region as a whole. I’m greatly looking forward to taking up my role in the New Year.”