Series of hustings meetings to take place across the country
NFU Scotland has launched its General Election manifesto containing the main points of focus to secure a vibrant future for the Scottish farming industry.
This Manifesto for Rural Scotland situates NFU Scotland’s position as we head into a new five years of government. It calls upon candidates standing in the election to work with Scottish farmers over the next five years to boost agriculture and the rural economy.
A range of hustings meetings across the country are to take place to encourage debate and to ask the candidates to commit to support Scottish farming in the run up to the General Election on May 7, 2015.
The election hustings will begin on Monday 30 March in the Forth and Clyde region, finishing up on 30 April in the North East.
NFU Scotland President Allan Bowie commented: “Last year’s referendum sparked an unprecedented surge of political engagement, not least in Scotland’s rural areas. This General Election comes at a crucial time as Scotland considers its post-referendum position as part of the UK. Closer to home, however, there are a number of key issues that NFU Scotland would like to see UK politicians act on now to secure the vibrancy of the Scottish farming industry for the future.
“Our Manifesto for Rural Scotland calls upon the UK Government that will be elected on May 7 to recognise the changes that have taken place north of the border and work with Scottish farmers over the next five years to boost agriculture and the rural economy.
“In particular, we are calling upon the team of politicians who will be elected on May 7 to support Scottish farmers by promoting Scotland’s larder at home and abroad, which will also be key over the next five years, and we are calling upon UK politicians to consider a more co-ordinated approach to export promotion and fairness in the supply chain.
“We also urge for the undertaking an urgent review of the UK Government’s decision on CAP convergence monies; as well as looking more closely at what tax levers could be employed to incentivise best practice in land ownership and business investment in Scotland.
“We very much look forward to taking our Manifesto for Rural Scotland out to the regions of Scotland and encourage as many members as possible to attend these husting events, which will stimulate debate ahead of this important crossroad.”
Monday 30 March - Radstone Hotel, Larkhall, 3 Ayr Road, Shawsburn, ML9 2TZ
Tuesday 31 March - King Robert Hotel, Glasgow Road, Bannockburn, Stirling, FK7 0LJ
Tuesday 7 April - Urr Valley Hotel, Castle Douglas, Ernespie Road, Castle Douglas, DG7 3JG
Wednesday 8 April - Dingwall Mart, Humberston, Bailechaul Road, Dingwall, IV15 9TP
Tuesday 14 April - East Central region (Angus) venue TBC
Thursday 16 April - The Lodge, Carfraemill, Lauder, Berwickshire, TD2 6RA
Wednesday 29 April - Huntingtower Hotel, Crieff Road, Perth, PH1 3JT
Thursday 30 April - Lochter Activity Centre, Oldmeldrum, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, AB51 0DZ
Note to editors
- For media who would like to attend the hustings, or for a copy of our Manifesto for Rural Scotland contact ruth.mcclean@nfus.org.uk or call 0131 472 4108.
- For NFU Scotland members who would like to attend contact clare.slipper@nfus.org.uk or 0131 472 4182. All meetings take place at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
Ends
Contact Ruth McClean 0131 472 4108