McArthur backs farming community at Holyrood rally

Liam McArthur MSP today attended a rally outside Holyrood, where farmers, crofters and rural stakeholders from all across Scotland gathered to call on the Scottish Government to protect funding for the sector ahead of next week’s budget.  

Mr McArthur met with representatives from Orkney’s farming community at the rally to listen to their concerns, and offer his support for efforts to ensure the Finance Secretary protects and returns funding to the sector when she announces her budget on 4 December. 

Commenting on the rally, Orkney’s MSP said:

 “The size of the turnout at Holyrood today, including a fair number from Orkney, reflects the strength of feeling there is within the sector just now about the challenges faced by farmers and crofters across Scotland.

 “Farming is a sector that has always relied on long term planning, so it’s little surprise that continue uncertainty over funding and regulation is having an effect on confidence amongst farmers and crofters. In turn, we’re seeing this reflected in an understandable unwillingness to invest in new equipment, infrastructure and decisions over livestock numbers. 

 “Farming remains integral to our island economy and community. A reduction in activity inevitably has impacts far beyond the sector itself.

 “That’s why I believe we need to see the Scottish Government deliver a budget that provides some much-needed certainty and stability for the sector. 

 “Over recent weeks, the First Minister and his ministerial colleagues have repeatedly claimed to be on the side of Scottish agriculture. Quite rightly, farmers in Orkney and across Scotland now want to see Mr Swinney put his money where his mouth is”.