MEMBERS of Peebles Agricultural Society welcomed Finlay Smith as their new President at the society's annual general meeting on February 25.

Mr Smith took over the leadership roll from Bill Brown, Bonnington Farm, Peebles, who led the group for three years.

He told us: "I am honoured to take on this role, and have very big shoes to fill following Bill.

"I am very much looking forward to encouraging more local businesses, to be involved in the show, either by attending with a trade stand, or by becoming one of our show sponsors.

"I have also already booked a sunny day for Show day this year on the 15th of August."

Having previously been chairman and club leader of Peeblesshire JAC, Mr Smith is coming into his new position with plans for this year's Peebles Show, including a stunt performance by the Mark Stanage International team, who will travel to Peebles from Yorkshire, in the main ring.

Mr Smith is a well known farmer in Peebles, with three generations of his family having farmed at Cloverhill, Broughton, moving into the farm in 1949.

Former society President, Bill Brown said: "I think Finlay will make an excellent president and I’m sure will work very hard over the next two years for Peeblesshire Agricultural Society."