Farmers invited to question politicians at ‘two months to go’ mark

NFU Scotland is to host a debate on independence for the farming community in the North East on Thursday 17 July, marking 62 days to go until the referendum.

The event, which will take place in Lochter Activity Centre, Oldmeldrum will be chaired by the Union’s President Nigel Miller.

It is one of a series of independence debates that have been held by NFU Scotland throughout the country since the start of this year.

The debate, which is open to all members and interested parties from the rural community, will hear speakers from either side of the campaign thrash out the key issues at play in the debate as Scotland approaches polling day of September 18.

Speaking for the Better Together campaign will be:

• Alex Johnstone, Conservative MSP for the North East
• George Lyon, former MEP and Chair of the Rural Better Together campaign
• Peter Chapman, Vice Chair of the Rural Better Together campaign

Representing Yes Scotland will be:

• Eilidh Whiteford MP, SNP spokesperson for Agriculture and Fisheries
• Nigel Don, SNP MSP for Angus North and Mearns and member of the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee
• A representative from the Farming for Yes campaign

President of NFU Scotland, Nigel Miller, commented:

“In the months leading up to September’s independence referendum, NFU Scotland has held a number of events, nationally and regionally, encouraging debate and discussion amongst politicians and members on Scotland’s future as an independent country or as continuing members of the UK.

“To date, these events have been highly successful with a very encouraging turnout and broad range of topics discussed – from membership of the EU, to taxation systems, to the future of the BBC.

“The debate in Oldmeldrum on 17 July will be a fantastic opportunity to meet and put questions to those representing both sides of the campaign, and we encourage as many people as possible to come along so they can make an informed decision in September.”

Notes to editors

• If you are a journalist and would like to attend the event, please contact Clare Slipper on 0131 472 4182 or clare.slipper@nfus.org.uk.
• NFU Scotland’s North East independence debate will be held on Thursday 17 July, 6.30pm for 7pm at the Lochter Activity Centre, Oldmeldrum, AB51 0DZ.
• The event is open to all NFU Scotland members, family and friends, and wider individuals from the rural community. RSVPs are to go to Clare Slipper on the details above.

Ends

Contact Clare Slipper on 0131 472 4182