Julie Mclaren: Championing Confidence And Collaboration In Scottish Agriculture
Julie McLaren, Vice Chair of Women in Agriculture Scotland, is bringing fresh energy and fierce commitment to the organisation’s mission: empowering women and strengthening the sector through collaboration.
With over 25 years in banking — and 12 of those specialising in Agriculture and Landed Estates — Julie knows what it means to work in male‑dominated industries and push for progress. Her own team now has four women in senior roles, two of them job‑sharing while raising young families. Real change, happening in real time.
Julie has been a member of Women in Agriculture Scotland since 2015. She didn’t make the committee on her first try — but she came back stronger, knowing she had more to give. A year later, she stepped into the role of Vice Chair, and the last few months have been full of momentum.
She and Cora have been driving powerful conversations across the sector — from NFUS and the Young Farmers to FAS and the Scottish Government. Their long‑awaited trip to Orkney and their presence at the NFUS Conference have helped amplify the voices of women shaping agriculture across Scotland.
The Mentoring Programme: Julie’s Passion Project
Julie’s biggest focus? Confidence. Building it, nurturing it, and creating opportunities for women to grow it.
That passion led to the Women in Agriculture Mentoring Programme — a free, accessible support network backed by the Scottish Government. A new online portal is launching soon, making it easier than ever for members to connect with mentors offering everything from on‑farm expertise to business and professional development.
If it helps even one woman feel more confident, Julie calls that a win.
What’s Ahead
Women in Agriculture Scotland is already gearing up for:
A collaboration‑focused Royal Highland Show breakfast, with potential live streaming
An autumn AGM in a brand‑new location
More local events across Scotland, driven by member demand
Updates will roll out through the website, newsletter, and social channels.
A Final Word
Julie’s message is simple and powerful: Women in agriculture are capable, essential, and unstoppable. When they support each other, the whole sector rises.
Together, they lead. Together, they grow. Together, they shape the future of Scottish agriculture.
