NFU Scotland is pushing for the Islands (Scotland) Bill to recognise that farming and crofting is the backbone of many, if not all, island communities.

The Union has welcomed the passing of Stage 3 of this Bill and the commitment to include the creation of a “national islands plan” to set a long-term improvement strategy for our islands and their communities.

Active farming and crofting not only produces food but supports many other vital island industries such as tourism and the food and drink sector. It is vital therefore in setting out a national islands plan that agriculture is at the forefront.

In addition, as highlighted at the recent evidence session of the Rural Economy & Connectivity Committee (30 May), ferry services are an essential service in securing the economic viability of the islands. There has been significant growth in the use of the ferries in some areas since the introduction of Road Equivalent Tariff (RET), boosting tourism. However, recent vessel breakdowns and the ensuing ferry disruptions have highlighted how vulnerable the current ferry service is.

Importance of ferries to islands

NFU Scotland’s Argyll and Islands Regional chair John Dickson, who farms on the Isle of Bute, said: “With farming and crofting at the heart of island life, a reliable, affordable ferry service is crucial to island economies.

“Recent disruptions have strengthened our calls for the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to accelerate the much-needed long-term investment in the vessel and port infrastructure, as identified in the Scottish Ferry Services: Ferries Plan (2013-2022), which set out the future of ferry services until 2022.

“This investment is urgently needed to ensure that the aspirations of the Islands (Scotland) Bill can be delivered and that farming and crofting on these islands and their rural communities can thrive.”

Orkney and Shetland regional chair David Scarth, who farms at Twatt on Orkney, said: “For the Northern Isles, there is disappointment that Scottish Government continues to delay the introduction of the promised RET to Orkney and Shetland. In addition, there is still the outstanding issue of introducing “fair fares” on the internal ferries within these islands.

“Here, there are also issues arising from an ageing ferry fleet at a time when the prospect of introducing RET on the internal ferry network doesn’t appear to be on the radar. This leaves our most vulnerable and fragile communities paying the highest fares in Scotland and, in many cases, receiving the poorest service.”

Scottish farming at Pride Edinburgh

Pride Edinburgh is this Saturday (16 June) and NFU Scotland, with RSABI, will be hosting a Scottish farming stall at the event. The LGBT march is on from 12pm-5pm at EUSA Student Union at Teviot Row House. Anyone interested in LGBT issues in Scottish farming are welcome to come down to the stall for a chat.

Countdown on for Royal Highland Show

There is only a week to go until the Royal Highland Show! Have you got your ticket yet? Don’t forget, if you want to eat, meet or have a seat, the place to go is the NFU Scotland/NFU Mutual stand on Avenue 7 just beside the main ring.

Share farming meeting

Planning for the future was top of the agenda at the recent North East share farming event at Thainstone. There were a range of top-quality presentations including from Andrew McCornick, Mike Blair (Gillespie McAndrew); Alex Arthur (Johnston & Carmichael); Sarah Millar (NFUS National Next Gen vice chair) and James Mackessack-Leitch (Scottish Land Commission).

Concern over sky lanterns

Following on from NFU Scotland pressure, a sky lantern launching event in Lockerbie has been cancelled. It is our long-standing policy position that the release of these lanterns presents an unacceptable risk to property, crops and animal health and they should be permanently banned.