A roadshow of hustings events, organised by NFU Scotland, will take place across the country ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary election on 5 May.
Following a difficult year for the farming and crofting sector, the interests of rural affairs in an election campaign have never been clearer. And as agriculture, rural affairs, food and environment policy is devolved to the Scottish Parliament, this election is even more relevant to the agricultural sector, and the rural vote cannot be underestimated.
Before last year’s General Election, over 300 members turned out to NFU Scotland’s regional husting events to meet their candidates, and the Union is encouraging its members to take the time to meet and put questions to the candidates vying for their votes in this important election.
NFU Scotland will shortly release a manifesto, detailing key policy headings it wishes to see Scottish parliamentarians address in the new parliament – including a support system fit for the future, land reform and biodiversity, making markets work, telling Scotland’s good food story, crofting and assistance in managing costs.
NFU Scotland’s Parliamentary Office Clare Slipper commented: “This election brings agricultural politics into sharp focus, as it comes at an unprecedented time for our industry. Global forces added to the well-versed problems concerning delivery of support payments have combined to create a perfect storm.
“This was a key message that politicians took away from NFU Scotland’s rally in parliament earlier this month. Now is the time for us to ask our politicians whether they can step up to the plate and fight for farming and crofting within the sea of other voices.
“Seventeen years on from the advent of devolution in Scotland, rural affairs and agricultural policy has become ingrained within Scottish political life, and NFU Scotland has enjoyed a good working relationship with MSPs across the political spectrum to further the interests of our wide membership.
“We look forward to continuing this close and very positive engagement in the new parliament, and to welcoming the candidates fighting for a seat at Holyrood at our roadshow of husting events so they can inform the members of their plans to take forward the interests rural Scotland.”
Regional hustings events will take place as follows. Unless otherwise state events start at 7.30pm:
• 25 March Orkney Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall
• 31 March Argyll and Islands Corran Halls, Oban
• 31 March Shetland Shetland Hotel, Lerwick
• 4 April Lothian and Borders Buccleuch Arms, St Boswells
• 11 April Forth & Clyde Radstone Hotel, Larkhall
• 12 April Ayrshire The Black Bull Hotel, Tarbolton
• 18 April East Central Huntingtower Hotel, Perth
• 20 April Highlands Dingwall Mart, Dingwall
• 19 April Dumfries and Galloway Douglas Arms, Castle Douglas
• 28 April at 7pm North East Kintore Arms, Inverurie
