Eoghan Cameron has been elected BASC chairman following the association’s AGM on Saturday.
Eoghan, who lives in Aberdeenshire, has been on council for two years. A self-employed rural project manager, he has been shooting since the age of four and is keen on all forms of shooting, including driven partridge, walked-up grouse and deer stalking.
He takes over from Peter Glenser QC, who stepped down after serving the maximum two five-year terms on council.
Eoghan said: “Peter is a tough act to follow, he certainly met his own challenge of leaving BASC in a better place than when he took over as chairman.
“I am exceptionally honoured to be elected to succeed him as chairman by council. There are some fantastic challenges in front of us and I am not underestimating the work that needs to be done in the months and years ahead.
“But BASC is an organisation staffed and supported by driven, passionate people and I am certain the association will continue to thrive.”
Claire Sadler was elected as BASC’s first female vice-chairman and immediately spoke of her ambition to see shooting continue to widen its appeal to new participants.
“I am really looking forward to working with and supporting Eoghan, Ian Bell and the rest of the BASC family to build on the momentum already in place to help take shooting sports even further forward for all who shoot.
“There are more women shooting than ever before and in the last couple of years we have seen greater representation by women on BASC’s council,” said Claire, a business lawyer who has been on council for two years.
“I am one of five women on council and that gives me fantastic pride and hope for the future of the organisation and shooting. Now that I am also vice chairman, I think it shows that women can continue to break through the glass ceiling of organisations that are traditionally viewed as the preserve of middle-aged men.
“BASC has done an awful lot of hard work to modernise itself in the last few years and I have pledged to ensure the association continues its direction of travel.”
Ian Grindy was re-elected to council for a second term in the national seat while Ian Coghill was co-opted onto council.
In his final address to the AGM, Peter Glenser said: “I am sad to be leaving council after 10 years, but there is real pride in where the organisation stands today.
“BASC looks different and so does our membership. A significant proportion of our membership are women and that is something to be applauded. And we have also lost the bunker mentality. We play nicely with other organisations and that is to the benefit of all of shooting.
“Of course, BASC can’t rest easy. There are still many people who do not understand what we do and do not appreciate the conservation work that underpins it. But I feel BASC is well-placed to deal with the challenges that come the way of it and shooting.”
Peter Glenser was made vice president, along with former BASC vice-chairman John Thornley OBE – who spent the last year as a co-opted member of council.