One hundred years of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) was celebrated with members and industry friends last weekend at a Centenary Dinner in Edinburgh.
The Institute was formed in 1926 to professionalise the sector, when, under economic and political pressures, the mart businesses of the time realised that a collective voice to stand up for the interests of the marts and promote the mart system would create greater mutual benefit.
“This is quite a milestone, marking 100 years of auction companies working together and collaborating on the significant issues to provide an outstanding service to Scottish agriculture,” says Neil Wilson, Executive Director of IAAS, whose father was an auctioneer and who has spent a lifetime around the marts. “The mart system is an integral part of Scotland’s red meat sector, importantly maintaining competition and fair pricing for primary producers as well as being a much-loved commercial and social hub for the rural community.”
Livestock auctions first became the norm in Scotland in the earlier part of the 19th century when it was gradually accepted as a good alternative to the traditional fairs, at which sales were made by haggling and private bargain, but it was not until 1846 that regular marts became established, explains John Thomson, whose father (of the same name) wrote Ring of Memories, a history of the marts in Scotland.
The first organised co-operation between auction firms was in World War I, which was the precursor to IAAS:
“In 1917, the fourth year of a war in which many members of auctioneering families and their staffs were killed or wounded, a committee of auctioneers in Scotland was established under the chairmanship of Lovat Fraser of Perth to provide the army with 200,000 carcases of beef – “three-quarters fat, not prime” – and this committee grew into a corporate body, The Scottish Livestock Auctioneers and Salesmens Association. For the remainder of the war, this organisation supervised the grading and allocation of prime stock on a “direct” basis with the marts as collection centres.”
When these wartime controls were lifted in 1920, a two-decade long collapse in livestock prices followed which, allied to increasing local authority and veterinary interference, convinced auctioneers of the ongoing need for cooperation, says John.
In 1926, The Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland was registered with the Board of Trade.
Since, IAAS has fought for the interests of markets and been the central bastion through the best of times as well as the tough ones, including BSE, Foot & Mouth, Covid and policy rollercoasters. Most recently, the challenge has been Bluetongue, IAAS liaising across the sector, from farmers to vets and governments, to get the best outcome for the marts and their customers.
The Sheep Game’s Cammy Wilson gave a speech at the Centenary Dinner, and well-known auctioneer David Leggatt gave the Vote of Thanks. The occasion was also used to congratulate the young auctioneers who completed their fellowship this year and award them their certificates.
Alan Hutcheon, who will shortly complete his three-year term President of IAAS, said:
“I first became involved with the Institute 20 years ago when I joined the Board of Directors. It wasn’t until then that I was fully aware of all the work that the Institute does and the value of this; how integral to the success of the industry the combined insights of the board are, speaking with one voice to influence policy and support the work of the marts. Individual companies could not have navigated the many challenges alone.
“As we reach this milestone, I’d like to congratulate Neil and the Board of Directors for the work they do, often unseen but ever constant, from speaking on the behalf of the livestock marts, analysis of sales and throughput figures, looking ahead to the future direction of the sector and supporting not only the marts and all the work there, but the interests of the farmers who start the whole supply chain.”
He urged members to stay involved and have their say:
“The Institute is only as good as the membership it serves, and all our members companies and auctioneers must keep bringing ideas, concerns and discussion to the Board to ensure marts continue their important work into the next 100 years.”
Over its lifetime, IAAS has introduced continuous professional development to support its members, young auctioneers achieving their fellowship through Harper Adams. It has also been a strong advocate for Lamb for St Andrew’s Day, the national campaign to encourage more people to choose lamb for the annual celebration in November.
“It’s excellent that 100 years on the Institute’s original mission to anchor the sector stands strong,” added Neil. “The Institute will continue to support the livestock marts through change, to evolve and remain fit for the future. It was fantastic to bring everyone together this weekend and to be reminded of the brilliant people behind it who will take IAAS confidently into its next 100 years. I feel very proud to be representing the membership in its centenary year.”