SUPPORT FOR FARMERS SHOULD COME SOON

SNP MSP Dave Thompson and SNP Candidate for Banff and Buchan Eilidh Whiteford have written to Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead urging him to introduce cold weather payments for farmers as soon as possible.

Mr Thompson and Ms Whiteford welcomed the Government’s efforts to champion Scottish farmers as they joined calls by farmers organisations for additional support to be available for farmers who are facing unexpected costs as a result of this winters snow and ice.

Highlands and Islands MSP Dave Thompson said:

“It is becoming increasingly clear that many farmers are struggling to meet the unexpected costs of the harsh winter.

“The high levels of snow and ice have seen buildings damaged and roofs collapsed. Damage that could not have been predicted and which many farmers are uninsured for.

“Since 2007 this Scottish Government has always recognised the needs of farmers and farming communities and has worked hard to support them.

“I know Richard Lochhead has listened to the calls from NFU Scotland and I have today written to him asking that he look into introducing some financial support to help farmers in these exceptional circumstances as soon as possible.”

Eilidh Whiteford, SNP candidate for Banff and Buchan added:

“Scotland’s farmers did an excellent job to carry on through the bad weather and in many cases it was farmers efforts that saw remote roads and paths cleared or cars pulled out of the snow.

“SNP MPs and MSPs have always championed the needs of Scotland’s farmers and as they face cost pressures after the difficult winter we will continue to do so.

“This Government has always listened to Scotland’s farmers and I hope the Cabinet Secretary will support this call.”