Background

Cora is not from an agricultural background and is a first generation farmer and land owner. Together with her husband David she owns and runs a 5000 acre hill sheep farm in Ayrshire.  They won Farmers Weekly Sheep Farmer of the Year 2023.  On the farm they have done over 2000 acres of peatland restoration and focus on regenerative grazing on their LFA land.  They have three young children.  Cora has a LLB Hons degree from Glasgow University and experience in PR, events, marketing, renewables and community benefit in rural economies.  Cora sits on various national industry leadership groups for both farming and nature. Cora is a passionate advocate for the positives that agriculture can deliver for food security, climate mitigation, net zero, and nature restoration.  

What inspired you to join Women in Agriculture Scotland Committee?

Farming has opened doors I never imagined, giving me both opportunity and the freedom to raise our family on my own terms. As a first-generation farmer, I’m proud to stand as proof that you don’t need to change who you are or prove your worth to belong in agriculture. My hope is to empower more women to step into this industry with confidence—just as they are—and shape its future in their own way.

What’s your favourite part about being on the Committee?

The in person connection with our members at our events. It was so inspiring to experience first hand the strength of the Orcadian farming community on our recent trip. My friendship with Julie whom I would never have met if it was not for WiAS is a personal highlight for me. Our friendship is one which will continue after our time on the committee. 

What does success of WiAS look like for you?

Giving even one woman the confidence to recognise the power of her own voice and the value of her story has the potential to create a ripple effect far beyond what we can see—because when one woman believes in herself, she inspires others to do the same.

Background

Julie is an Agricultural Relationship Director with Bank of Scotland, supporting farmers across Central and Southern Scotland. She’s built her career in agricultural finance over the past decade, learning directly from the people who power the sector—despite not coming from a farming background herself. She’s happiest out on farms meeting folk, even if she still dodges the practical jobs.

She holds a BSc in Quality Management and earned her Chartered Banker qualification during COVID, showing the grit and drive she brings to everything she does. When she’s off the clock, you’ll find her chasing live music across the UK, from heavy metal to classic country.

What inspired you to join Women in Agriculture Scotland Committee?

I really wanted to make a difference in the confidence of women in the sector.  I have sat at the kitchen table with farming clients when the women has left the room when “business” is discussed – I wanted to join WiAS to give every women the opportunity to build their confidence to sit at that table.

What’s your favourite part about being on the Committee?

Through WiAS I have formed a great friendship with Cora – something that would never have happened if it hadn’t been for WiAS.  We really have driven the agenda this year and hearing all the positive comments really does make it worthwhile.  The Orkney trip was a key moment with Cora & Iona and something the 3 of us will never forget.

What does success of WiAS look like for you?

Success for me will be one woman having the confidence to sit at that table she hadn’t been confident to sit at! 

Background

I am currently the Deputy Head of Corporate at Oxbury Bank Plc but bring over 15 years of experience in the financial sector, with the last few years specifically in agricultural banking. Prior to joining Oxbury, I held various roles at HSBC, culminating in my most recent one as Director within the Agriculture team. I am deeply passionate about supporting women in agriculture and have a strong commitment to promoting inclusivity across all enterprise types within the sector. I actively engage with communities across Scotland and beyond, leveraging my industry knowledge and leadership experience to make a meaningful impact. 

I have previously held a mixture of board roles where I have helped to shape the strategic direction of the organisations and assist with general support in promoting what they do through a variety of platforms. Outside of work I am married to Scott and have 2 children – Niamh (20) and Theo (6) so it’s never a dull moment. I enjoy educating the family on the sector itself and take great pride in all that Scotland has to offer within the rural community. As a family we all love football, although not for the same sides, so I have developed excellent skills in dispute resolution.

What inspired you to join Women in Agriculture Scotland Committee?

I was inspired to join the WiAS committee because I’m passionate about creating spaces where women feel empowered, supported, and able to thrive. I believe that when we share experiences, lift each other up, and amplify diverse voices, we strengthen not just individuals but our entire sector. Joining the committee felt like a meaningful way to contribute to that positive change and help shape an environment where everyone has the confidence and opportunity to progress in agriculture.

What’s your favourite part about being on the Committee?

Well first and foremost getting to work with my amazing committee members but also the sense of collaboration and purpose. Being surrounded by passionate, driven women who genuinely want to make a difference is incredibly energising. I love the creativity that comes from working together—whether we’re developing events, exploring new ideas, or supporting colleagues across the industry. It’s rewarding to see how our work has a tangible impact on others.

What does success of WiAS look like for you?

For me, success means seeing WiAS become even more of an influential community, one where women at every stage of their career journey, whether on farm or not, feel connected, supported, and represented. I would love to see our engaged membership increasing across a variety of demographics and ultimately, success is when members feel empowered, confident, and inspired because of the work we do.

Background

I’m a farmer’s daughter from Stranraer in Dumfries and Galloway, where my family runs a beef farm and a civils plant hire business. Even though I no longer work on the farm day‑to‑day, I still love being involved in the family business whenever I’m home. Growing up in agriculture has shaped so much of who I am and continues to influence the work I do today.

For many years, I was an active member of my local Young Farmers club, serving as a committee member, Secretary, and Vice‑Chairman. Those years were incredibly rewarding, from taking part in competitions and exchanges to meeting people from across Scotland. I especially enjoyed watching younger members grow in confidence and get stuck into club life.

Professionally, I’m a Senior Associate in the Rural Property, Forestry, Community Land & Crofting team at Harper Macleod, and I’m recognised as a recommended lawyer in the Legal 500 for Agriculture and Estates. I advise clients on all aspects of agricultural, forestry, and estate management, including farm and forestry purchases and sales, servitudes, leases, grant funding, title diligence, and succession planning. I have a particular passion for succession work and supporting clients with title matters tied to development opportunities. My farming background gives me a grounded perspective that clients really value.

Outside of work, I love to travel, go to gigs, head to Murrayfield for the rugby, and enjoy dinners out with my partner. Although I’m now based in Glasgow, I’m back home in Stranraer as often as I can be to spend time with my family and friends.

What inspired you to join Women in Agriculture Scotland Committee?

I actually came across Women in Agriculture Scotland by accident after spotting the group on social media. At the time, I really missed having a community to be part of after officially ‘ageing’ out of my Young Farmers club. When I went along to my first WiAS event, it immediately felt like the perfect next step. A place where I could stay connected to the industry, meet like‑minded people, and feel part of something bigger again. That sense of belonging and purpose is what inspired me to join the committee and get more involved.

What’s your favourite part about being on the Committee?

I really value being part of a group where I can still stay connected to the industry I grew up in. I love working alongside women from all different backgrounds, hearing their stories, and helping create spaces where they feel supported and confident. Being on

Background

Katy grew up in a small town in Moray but now lives in Stonehaven with her husband, Neil and labrador, Dennis. Since 2022, Katy has worked as a Rural Solicitor at Shepherd & Wedderburn based in Aberdeen. She advises clients on all aspects of rural business including land/farm purchases and sales, lending work for farming businesses, partnership matters, advising on renewable energy projects and also advises on agricultural tenancy matters. Katy also has a strong interest in crofting law matters, having spent her early career working for a small firm in Forres and thereafter a larger firm in Inverness always specialising in the rural sector.

Katy’s husband, Neil, hails from a family of pig producers in the Northeast of Scotland and spends a great deal of time at the farm and each visit only strengthens her deep-rooted respect for farmers, their passion and the role they play in our lives. Katy didn’t grow up in farming but having both married into and working in the industry, she truly believes there is no better more passionate sector to work in and is excited to do what she can to build greater networks for other women “in the field” and share the fantastic work women contribute to this industry.

What inspired you to join Women in Agriculture Scotland Committee?

I was inspired to join the Committee because I see every day in my work, the vital role women play in farming as well as rural businesses — often without enough visibility or support! Working closely with farmers, farming and crofting tenants, landowners and others in rural communities has shown me how important it is that women have access to opportunities, training and a strong network.

What’s your favourite part about being on the Committee?

My favourite part of being on the Committee is seeing the real, practical impact the organisation has on women across the sector. It’s inspiring to be part of a group that is genuinely committed to lifting each other up, sharing skills, and creating opportunities that might not otherwise exist. Women in Agriculture Scotland creates space for connection, confidence‑building and practical support.

What does success of WiAS look like for you?

Success for Women in Agriculture Scotland, for me, is stronger networks – where women feeling connected, supported and part of a community where they can share challenges, celebrate achievements and build practical skills.

Background

Lauren is a rural property solicitor based in Orkney and working for Gillespie Macandrew’s Land and Rural Business team. She advises farmers, crofters, estate owners and rural businesses across Scotland, working remotely from the islands and spending time regularly in the firm’s Edinburgh office.

Originally from East Lothian, Lauren began her legal career in the north and over the years has worked in Moray, Edinburgh and Orkney, developing specialist expertise in rural property, agriculture and crofting law. Her practical understanding of farm life — shaped in part by living on a working farm for a few years — underpins her grounded, client focused approach.

Lauren is a member of the Law Society of Scotland’s Rural Affairs SubCommittee and is passionate about supporting resilient rural communities. She lives in the east mainland of Orkney with her husband and their dog and enjoys being part of a small, close-knit community.

What inspired you to join Women in Agriculture Scotland Committee?

Cora, Julie and Iona brought Women in Agriculture Scotland to Orkney in January 2026 and I was impressed by their passion and enthusiasm for promoting the amazing contributions which women make to the sector. Hearing all of the stories and experiences at the event was so powerful and inspiring that when I was invited to join the Committee as a co-opted member, I couldn't refuse!

What’s your favourite part about being on the Committee?

The ideas for how to push the organisation forward and the ways in which we can engage with members (current and new) are creative and exciting and just makes you want to get involved in the various events and projects which are in the pipeline.

What does success of WiAS look like for you?

Success of WiAS for me looks the same as for other sectors: empowering women to progress in whatever role they choose. It's amazing what women can do when we put our minds to it so  encouraging members to progress through training and sharing knowledge is important to ensuring that WiAS meets its goals.

Background

Scott, 34 is born and raised in Edinburgh and has worked for Bank of Scotland in various roles for 17 years. Scott’s current role is Relationship Manager specialising in Agriculture and he covers primarily the South East of Scotland although travels to both the West coast and down into Northumberland for a handful of clients. He keen to get involved with WiAS to offer a diverse opinion on the board as well as drive forward the organisations goal of encouraging more successful women within the sector. Scott is looking to engage by bringing his strong network and sharing knowledge and resources with the group and its members. He will also be involved with the mentor program launched in 2025.

Away from work, Scott is married to Maria who he met in the Bank and has a daughter Sophia who based on her love of animals, could be the next generation of farmers/WiAS. If you can’t get a hold of Scott, he’ll be on the golf course.

What inspired you to join Women in Agriculture Scotland Committee?

A chance to support and promote the careers and growth of women in a male dominated industry. WiAS has done a lot in recent years to support members but the new mentoring program is the chance to elevate this even further and I’m excited for this to launch.

What’s your favourite part about being on the Committee?

The wide range of committee members backgrounds means that there’s always a bit of learning about different aspects of the sector as well as pushing forward the various projects/ideas we have in our minds!

What does success of WiAS look like for you?

An open-minded committee that are proactive in supporting the growth of our members and a membership that is engaged and feels that if they have an idea, the committee will support!

Background

Iona, 26, comes from a pedigree beef and sheep farm in South Ayrshire. She graduated from SRUC in 2022 with an Honours Degree in Rural Business Management and has a strong agricultural background. One of her main passions is cattle; she owns a pedigree Shorthorn herd and does relief milking at night alongside her full-time job as a Monitor Farm Regional Advisor. Iona established her pedigree Shorthorns in 2020 under the Torvaig prefix, running alongside her family’s Aberdeen Angus and Herefords, which the Smith family has bred for over 30 years under the well-known Milovaig prefix.

In addition to her professional work, Iona is past Chair of Women in Agriculture Scotland 2024/25.  In 2025 she led the UK team to the World Hereford Conference in Kansas City, America, demonstrating her commitment and passion for the farming sector. She also plays rugby for Marr Ladies, is an avid gym-goer, and loves swimming.

What inspired you to join Women in Agriculture Scotland Committee?

I was inspired to join the WiAS committee because I wanted to be part of a movement that champions the role of women in agriculture. Growing up in farming, I saw firsthand the significant contributions women make, often without recognition. I felt compelled to contribute to a platform that elevates women’s voices and promotes their achievements in the agricultural sector.

What’s your favourite part about being on the Committee?

My favourite part of being on the committee is the strong sense of community and collaboration we promote. Connecting with other women who share similar experiences and challenges is empowering. I’ve been lucky enough to be the youngest ever committee member and chair, which has opened so many doors and opportunities for me. The friendships I’ve created along the way have been invaluable, making this journey even more rewarding.

What does success of WiAS look like for you?

Success for WiAS looks like creating a vibrant network of women and men across Scotland who are actively engaged and represented in agriculture. It means seeing more women in leadership roles within the industry and having their contributions recognised. Additionally, success would involve developing programmes that support young people interested in agriculture, providing them with mentorship and opportunities to thrive in this great sector.