Mid Argyll farmer given prestigious role in top agricultural charity

Alastair Dixon has been appointed as an extraordinary director in the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, the charity best known for running the annual Royal Highland Show. 

Alastair runs his family farm Killinochonoch just five miles outside Lochgilphead in Kilmartin Glen and was president of 2024’s Mid Argyll Show – a role also enjoyed by his father and grandfather. 

However, it is Alastair’s work as a territory manager in the agricultural machinery industry that has led to this most recent accolade.

“This director position is to represent the Agricultural Engineers Association on behalf of my employer, Pöttinger UK, which is an agricultural machinery manufacturer and a member of the association,” Alastair explained.

The new director will be very familiar with his surroundings when he attends the 2025 Highland Show in his new role.

“The show is one of the largest annual outdoor agricultural events in the UK and for me it is an honour to be given the opportunity to be involved in the planning and delivery of this event. I have attended the show annually nearly all my life and I have been a life member since the age of 18.

“Becoming a director gives me the opportunity to represent my fellow agricultural machinery manufacturers and trade stand holders at the Highland Show along with gaining a greater understanding of what it takes to put on an event such as this.”

Alastair attended his first meeting of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society on December 11, after which he said:. “There is still a lot to learn and get my teeth into, but I am very much looking forward to being involved with it going forward.”