Virgin Money has reaffirmed its commitment to Scottish agriculture with the promotion of four of its senior Agricultural Business Managers to Agricultural Director roles across key regions in Aberdeenshire and the North of Scotland. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the bank’s long-standing support for the farming sector and the bank’s ability to meet the evolving demands of Scottish agriculture.
Rona Jordan has been promoted to Agricultural Director for Aberdeenshire; Alison Wisely, Agricultural Director for the Highlands and Moray; Atholl Gordon, Agricultural Director for Aberdeenshire, Angus, and Fife; and Colin Milne, Agricultural Director for Tayside, Fife, Perthshire, Angus and South Aberdeenshire. These appointments reflect Virgin Money’s ongoing commitment to providing expert-led support for Scottish farmers, enabling clients to benefit from director-level attention during a time of unprecedented challenges for the industry.
Each of these Directors have a wealth of industry knowledge and experience in understanding the unique financial needs of the farming sector and Stephen Buchan, Virgin Money’s Head of Agriculture for Scotland, highlighted the significance of this: “Rona, Alison, Colin and Atholl have been invaluable assets to our clients, and their promotions reflect the trust both Virgin Money and our farming customers have in their expertise. As Agricultural Directors, they will continue to provide dedicated, personal support while shaping and expanding our services to meet the ever-changing needs of our clients.”
Rona Jordan, based in Thainstone, Inverurie, has over 25 years of experience in banking, with the last 22 years dedicated to agriculture. Rona has developed a deep passion for the industry and has worked with farmers across Aberdeenshire for over a decade.
Alison Wisely, based in Inverness, grew up on a family farm in Aberdeenshire. With 25 years at the bank, including 15 years focused on agriculture, Alison’s promotion reflects her in-depth knowledge and longstanding commitment to supporting farmers in the Highlands and Moray.
Atholl Gordon, based in the Thainstone Agricultural Centre, has been with the bank for approximately 30 years. Raised in the agricultural community of Fyvie, Aberdeenshire, Atholl’s career has been deeply rooted in agriculture, working with farmers in Aberdeenshire, Angus, and Fife.
Colin based in Inverbervie, has supported the agricultural sector in Aberdeenshire and central Scotland for 30 years working as a dedicated Agri Relationship Manager for over 20 years. Colin has always had a strong connection with the farming community and during his school years, he worked on many local farms.
Reflecting on their promotions, each director expressed the importance of maintaining close working relationships with the agricultural sector. Rona Jordan said, “It’s great to be involved in the agricultural sector and to work with such progressive and forward-thinking farmers here in the North East of Scotland. I will continue to work closely with existing clients while also exploring opportunities to build new relationships.”
Alison Wisely added: “Farming is such an important industry in this part of Scotland and one which I feel very privileged to be involved with. This promotion demonstrates the bank’s ongoing commitment to championing the sector in Scotland and, I look forward to working with my customers to help them to grow, evolve and maximise their opportunities.”
Colin said: “I am delighted that the commitment to the farming industry, for which Virgin Money is renowned, is being continued as part of Nationwide. I look forward to maintaining the high level of support I have provided to my farming clients and the wider agri businesses across the sector over the last 20 plus years.”
Atholl Gordon remarked: “Having grown up in the agri-community, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the farming industry, so I am delighted that the commitment to this sector that Virgin Money was renowned for, is being continued.”
Virgin Money currently provides circa £1.5bn in funding and financial services to agricultural clients, helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities within an evolving landscape. The latest promotions underscore the bank’s commitment to fostering long-term partnerships and delivering expert advice as part of its transition into its next phase as part of Nationwide Building Society.
