Farmers and crofters throughout Scotland film a video showing solidarity with those in lockdown
As the Covid-19 lockdown looks set to continue, farmers and crofters from every corner and sector of Scotland have come together to produce a video to reassure the general public that they will do all they can to keep food and drink on everyone’s table.
With everyone who is not an ‘essential worker’ being asked to stay home and only leave their house for shopping or exercise once a day, farmers and crofters, with NFU Scotland, wanted to reassure Scotland that they will continue to supply supermarkets and shops with all they will need to get through these troubling times.
The video sees 23 farmers, crofters, their families and their workforce, from across Scotland, filming themselves on farm, reciting small messages of encouragement to the people of Scotland. Farmers and crofters are very privileged to produce high quality food and drink for the nation and they wanted to show their solidarity with those most affected by the lockdown.
The project was voluntarily developed by dairy farmers Colin Ferguson, NFU Scotland Dumfries and Galloway Chairman, and David McMiken, who sits on NFU Scotland Milk Committee, as well as Rebecca Dawes from Jane Craigie Marketing.
Following the launch of the video, Colin Ferguson said: “In these worrying times it is important that the Scottish public know that farmers and crofters are still doing all they can to keep healthy, high welfare food and drink on their tables. Scotland’s farmers have been producing food for Scottish families for generations, and we are determined to keep on doing so through this global pandemic.”
David McMiken added: “We wanted to reassure consumers that despite this strange situation, there shouldn’t be any disruption to the food and drink we are able to produce and that any panic buying is completely unnecessary.
“It is important that people listen to the government advice; stay home and stay safe. Scotland’s farmers and crofters will take care of the food, drink and countryside while you do.”
Notes to Editor
- The video can be found on vimeo at https://vimeo.com/405842047
- The video is also on NFU Scotland’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
- Colin Ferguson and David McMiken will be available for media enquiries on the video.
- The script was written by Alana Black.
- Participating in the video are:
Scotland,- Ally Ross - Argyll
We’ve weathered a lot together. – Wilson Family – Stewartry
From snowy beasts to rampart rain – Pete Moss – Orkney
we know we’ll see sunshine again – Scott-Park Family – Loch Lomond
And no one knows what the future might hold - Amy Geddes – East Lothian
But farmers keep producing food to feed the young and the old - Katie McMiken – Galloway
From Caithness – John Anderson - Caithness
to Galloway - Colin Ferguson – Galloway
and Angus – John Gray – Angus
to Ayr – John Howie – Ayrshire
and let’s not forget the islands, to be fair - Aimee Budge – Shetland
We know it’s not easy but we’re all in this together - Lynbreck Croft -Tomintoul
Lets all play our part - Wilson Family – Scottish Borders
we’ll soon be back having a blether - Ewan Pate - Dundee
For generations we’ve been working from home – Brunton Family - East Fife
So Stay safe and stay home - Rory Christie – Galloway
And look forward to times when we can get out to roam - Ailsa and Donald Currie - Arran
From milk to meat and everything in between – Tomek Fudal – Stewartry
We’ll ensure the smooth sailing of our quarantine - Foster Family - Tay Bridge
We promise to keep working so you don’t run out - John Mclean - Turiff
Including the grain for whisky so don’t be in doubt -Dave Bell – St Andrews
From our families to yours we have you covered - Stephen’s Family - Turiff
Lets all work together until we’ve recovered - Mcmiken Family – Castle Douglas
Slainte - All
Ends
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