Scottish Bakers has chosen Linda Hill from Murrays Bakers of Perth as the new President the organisation.

The association is known for supporting and protecting the interests of Scotland’s bakery trade for nearly 130 years.

A fourth-generation baker her family business, Ms Hill has been a long-standing advocate of Scottish Bakers and has for many years taken an active role within the association.

“I am very proud of my business and I am proud to be a part of this industry,” she said, “so becoming President of Scottish Bakers was an honour I was thrilled to accept.

“Our world has changed so much as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, and the year has been traumatic for so many of us personally and professionally I believe it is vital we pull together through the association to support our members as they in turn support their communities.”

Linda will be supported by Scottish Bakers Vice President, Ian McGhee, of Glasgow-based McGhee’s Bakery who will advocate for the sector and further its aims over the next two years.

Outgoing President Ronnie Miles of Bells Food Group said: “To be president of such an esteemed association has been a great honour and it has been a wonderful two and a bit years in post.

“But I am now delighted to hand over the chain of office to Linda who was a great support to me during my tenure and I know that Ian will in turn be supporting her in looking after the future of the association. I leave it in good hands.”

Scottish Bakers chief executive Alasdair Smith said, “We are delighted that Linda and Ian are now inaugurated into their roles, it has been a while coming.

“But it means that we, as a sector, can now look to our post-COVID future; we will need a strong and strategic team to help direct us and with Linda and Ian, supporting the work of all at Bakers House, I am confident we can rise to the challenges ahead.”