SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford has welcomed the positive response from Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead for support for those of Scotland's farmers who have been struggling to cope with the effects of collapsed farm buildings.
Dr Whiteford and Highlands MSP Dave Thompson wrote to Mr Lochhead recently urging support for those affected by the recent severe weather which had led to buildings collapsing under the weight of snow. Mr Lochhead has now responded positively with details of a support scheme.
Commenting, Eilidh Whiteford said:
“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.
"I am therefore delighted that my colleague Richard Lochhead has moved so quickly to set up this support scheme which will assist those farmers who have been most badly affected by the recent severe weather and have lost buildings as a result.
"Once again, we see it is the SNP in Government which are responding to the needs of our rural communities and the farming industry."