A course designed to give an understanding of Scotch whisky is being launched online today (Wednesday 8 June, 2011) in a bid to satisfy increasing global demand from students.
Created by Moray College UHI, in partnership with Gordon & MacPhail, the World’s Leading Malt Whisky Specialist, the 20 hour online course can be studied anytime, anywhere with internet access. It aims to introduce students to the Scotch whisky industry and covers the history of whisky making, the production process and marketing. A section on whiskies from around the world, including Canada and Japan, is also covered to highlight the differences across the globe.
Delivered along with eight whisky miniatures and three sampling glasses the course also helps to develop skills in nosing and tasting so students can appreciate the general characteristics of different styles and types of whisky, including single and blended malts.
Moray College UHI originally joined forces with Gordon & MacPhail to develop a residential whisky course, which was then developed into an open learning course available as a CD- Rom. Following growing registration from students overseas, from Austria to Australia, it is now available as an interactive, online course - making it even more accessible.
Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director at Gordon & MacPhail, said:
“It is exciting to see more people from different cultures and walks of life developing an interest and enthusiasm for Scotch whisky. By going online, this unique course is helping even more people across the globe learn about its origins and the many different varieties available.
“The increasing international appeal in whisky is also reflected in the growing number of exports of our very own handcrafted single malt, Benromach, which has seen particular growth throughout Europe, North America, South Africa and Japan over the last year.”
Master distiller, Jim Cryle, is the tutor for the course and regarded as one of the greatest authorities in Scotch whisky. Retired as manager from The Glenlivet Distillery he brings to the course a broad expertise of whisky making including malting, distilling and quality control. Coupled with Gordon & MacPhail’s extensive knowledge and history of Scotch whisky spanning over 100 years and the experience of Moray College UHI, a partner in the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), the course delivers an exclusive Scotch whisky learning experience.
Mike Devenney, Principal of Moray College UHI, said:
“The course has proven to be a huge success with people from a very broad range of 21 countries[1], including Estonia, South Africa and Hong Kong, enrolling for the CR-Rom over the last ten years.
“Converting it to an online format was the natural step in its progression. The technology means we can reach a greater audience and interact with students online via assessments and question and answer sessions. New computer animations clearly illustrate the skill and craft that whisky-making requires and students can introduce their own dimensions to the process to see the consequences of their actions on the final dram.”
Campbell Evans, Director of Government & Consumer Affairs at Scotch Whisky Association said:
"Whether before or after a trip to Scotland, or just because they already enjoy the drink, the use of technology will through this course take Scotch Whisky to living rooms and bars around the world. Better informed bar staff will be able to help their customers, and more knowledgeable consumers will be able to expand their appreciation and love of Scotch Whisky, whether they are in traditional Scotch Whisky export countries or new emerging markets.”
The course leads to a Moray College UHI/Gordon & MacPhail certificate and costs £195. It is open to anyone over 18 years old (age restrictions for the consumption of alcohol may differ in overseas markets) with an interest in Scotch whisky and may particularly appeal to those working in the whisky, hospitality, leisure and tourism or retail industries.
Further details can also be obtained from Moray College UHI Registry on T: 00 44 (0) 1343 576 309 or email: registry@moray.uhi.ac.uk
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Browned trees battered by storms
Experts from Forestry Commission Scotland are allaying public fears over
the "browning" of many trees on the west coast of Scotland.
Although the trees may look unhealthy, it is hoped that most will
recover over time.
Experts are citing the exceptionally strong winds and salt laden sea air
of 23 May as the cause for 'scorching' the trees and turning them brown.
Many broadleaved trees and larches have been affected and, to a lesser
extent, pine and other conifers. The main geographical area affected
appears to stretch from Dumfries and Galloway north to Fort Wiliam on
the western seaboard.
Hugh Clayden, Tree Health policy adviser for Forestry Commission
Scotland said:
"We've had a number of calls from worried members of the public who have
seen large areas of trees turning brown for apparently no reason. Their
first thought is that they are in bad health due to disease.
"We're very grateful for these calls but we are quite sure that what is
being reported here is usually a result of the recent very strong winds
coupled with salt-laden air on the coast. Basically the trees' delicate
new leaves and needles have been dried out as well as physically damaged
by the exceptional winds."
Browning and leaf wilt is also apparent inland but does not yet appear
to be anything like as severe. Other causes of extensive browning
include the severe winter frosts.
Mt Clayden added:
"We will be examining trees to see if the buds and twigs are still
alive. If they are, recovery should take place this year and next. If
not, some die-back of branches is likely to occur - although we would
still expect most trees to recover unless they suffer further extreme
events."
If for some reason trees continue to show signs of ill health in a month
or two then Forestry Commission Scotland would welcome reports from the
public.
the "browning" of many trees on the west coast of Scotland.
Although the trees may look unhealthy, it is hoped that most will
recover over time.
Experts are citing the exceptionally strong winds and salt laden sea air
of 23 May as the cause for 'scorching' the trees and turning them brown.
Many broadleaved trees and larches have been affected and, to a lesser
extent, pine and other conifers. The main geographical area affected
appears to stretch from Dumfries and Galloway north to Fort Wiliam on
the western seaboard.
Hugh Clayden, Tree Health policy adviser for Forestry Commission
Scotland said:
"We've had a number of calls from worried members of the public who have
seen large areas of trees turning brown for apparently no reason. Their
first thought is that they are in bad health due to disease.
"We're very grateful for these calls but we are quite sure that what is
being reported here is usually a result of the recent very strong winds
coupled with salt-laden air on the coast. Basically the trees' delicate
new leaves and needles have been dried out as well as physically damaged
by the exceptional winds."
Browning and leaf wilt is also apparent inland but does not yet appear
to be anything like as severe. Other causes of extensive browning
include the severe winter frosts.
Mt Clayden added:
"We will be examining trees to see if the buds and twigs are still
alive. If they are, recovery should take place this year and next. If
not, some die-back of branches is likely to occur - although we would
still expect most trees to recover unless they suffer further extreme
events."
If for some reason trees continue to show signs of ill health in a month
or two then Forestry Commission Scotland would welcome reports from the
public.
COASTGUARD PETITION DELIVERED TO No10
Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Mike MacKenzie has commended the efforts of campaigners from Shetland and Lewis who joined with SNP MPs in London today to deliver a 28,000 strong petition to Downing Street registering serious concerns about proposed cuts and closures to Coastguard services affecting Scotland.
Mike MacKenzie said,:
"One of the first Press Releases I issued after being elected to the Scottish Parliament last month was to indicate my support for the submission from CalMac about the concerns that they felt about the proposals to cut services and close down coastguard facilities north of the border. CalMac's stated concerns were that the priority driving these proposals appeared to be to make coastguard services cheaper to provide rather than any action that might provide improvements to safety at sea. They were also concerned that the MCA proposals appeared very shortly after the proposed removal of Emergency Towing Vehicles (ETVs) from the Minch area and yet failed even to mention this additional threat.
The petition protesting those cuts to the coastguard service was delivered to Downing Street today and the SNP Transport spokesman , the MP for Na Eileanan an Iar, Angus MacNeil warned that lives would be at risk if the government did not reconsider those damaging proposals and place maritime safety at the head of the Coastguard agenda.
Mr MacNeil said;
"With increased activity on Scotland's seas through oil and gas exploration, offshore renewables burgeoning along with fishing, tourist and ferry activity there are very real concerns about the effect of the present proposals which would leave Scotland's coastal waters, with 60% of the UK sea area with around 25% of the available cover. We could make much more effective choices for Scotland in Scotland rather than leave those decisions to London."
Mike MacKenzie said,:
"One of the first Press Releases I issued after being elected to the Scottish Parliament last month was to indicate my support for the submission from CalMac about the concerns that they felt about the proposals to cut services and close down coastguard facilities north of the border. CalMac's stated concerns were that the priority driving these proposals appeared to be to make coastguard services cheaper to provide rather than any action that might provide improvements to safety at sea. They were also concerned that the MCA proposals appeared very shortly after the proposed removal of Emergency Towing Vehicles (ETVs) from the Minch area and yet failed even to mention this additional threat.
The petition protesting those cuts to the coastguard service was delivered to Downing Street today and the SNP Transport spokesman , the MP for Na Eileanan an Iar, Angus MacNeil warned that lives would be at risk if the government did not reconsider those damaging proposals and place maritime safety at the head of the Coastguard agenda.
Mr MacNeil said;
"With increased activity on Scotland's seas through oil and gas exploration, offshore renewables burgeoning along with fishing, tourist and ferry activity there are very real concerns about the effect of the present proposals which would leave Scotland's coastal waters, with 60% of the UK sea area with around 25% of the available cover. We could make much more effective choices for Scotland in Scotland rather than leave those decisions to London."
Monday, 13 June 2011
MG ALBA CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF BBC ALBA ON FREEVIEW
Every household in Scotland can watch BBC ALBA today (Wednesday 8 June) as it launches on the Freeview platform from 5pm this evening.
BBC ALBA going live on Freeview channel 8 today, greatly increases accessibility for all viewers across Scotland.
The channel was also recently made available on Virgin Media’s Cable channel 188.
Alasdair Morrison, Chairman of MG ALBA, said: “MG ALBA along with our partners at the BBC have worked tirelessly towards this day and it is fantastic that the channel will be on Freeview as of today. We have been grateful for the support from the BBC Trust as well as that received from politicians in Holyrood and Westminster.
“We should be immensely proud of the creative talent that Scotland has to offer and are delighted that through BBC ALBA we are able to nurture new talent and encourage a raft of innovative ideas for Gaelic production. We look forward to bringing both Gaelic and non-Gaelic viewers an exciting package of programming that we are greatly proud of and are delighted that it can now be enjoyed by everyone throughout Scotland.”
Margo MacDonald MSP will tonight (Wednesday 8 June) host a parliamentary reception in support of BBC ALBA welcoming its launch on Freeview. Margo said: “This development should do more to persuade non-Gaelic- speaking Scots of the worth of the language and culture of the Gàidhealtachd than any previous attempt to promote understanding and appreciation of Gaelic’s rich heritage. Gaelic may be an old language but its contribution to contemporary culture will be greatly enhanced by its use of new technologies.”
Alasdair Allan MSP said: “This is a very important step forward for BBC ALBA and I am very pleased that the channel will now have access to Freeview. Many people have campaigned to make this happen for a long time and the Scottish Government has backed the plan from the start.
“BBC ALBA has made an important contribution to broadcasting in Scotland and has also strengthened the profile and use of Gaelic. The whole of Scotland should now have access to BBC ALBA’s programmes and this will help support a fresh generation of Gaelic speakers and enrich our cultural life.”
Celebrities and personalities associated with the channel including actor and film-maker Peter Mullan got behind the channel’s Freeview launch by endorsing the ‘Open Your Eyes’ to BBC ALBA campaign. Peter Mullan said: “The channel has been a great boost for the creative sector in Scotland and long may it continue.”
BBC ALBA has made a positive contribution to Scottish broadcasting and the country’s creative industries with around half of all programme hours produced in Scotland by independent producers being commissioned for BBC ALBA. The channel’s programmes are produced by a range of independent production companies as well as from the BBC and STV.
The channel also plays a key role in promoting the Gaelic language as well as supporting language learning through broadcasting programmes for learners and those interested in Gaelic language and culture. In addition, MG ALBA and the BBC, together with Bòrd na Gàidhlig and other partners, are developing new online resources for Gaelic learners, along with funding from the Scottish Government. The new learners’ website is due to launch in October this year.
BBC ALBA going live on Freeview channel 8 today, greatly increases accessibility for all viewers across Scotland.
The channel was also recently made available on Virgin Media’s Cable channel 188.
Alasdair Morrison, Chairman of MG ALBA, said: “MG ALBA along with our partners at the BBC have worked tirelessly towards this day and it is fantastic that the channel will be on Freeview as of today. We have been grateful for the support from the BBC Trust as well as that received from politicians in Holyrood and Westminster.
“We should be immensely proud of the creative talent that Scotland has to offer and are delighted that through BBC ALBA we are able to nurture new talent and encourage a raft of innovative ideas for Gaelic production. We look forward to bringing both Gaelic and non-Gaelic viewers an exciting package of programming that we are greatly proud of and are delighted that it can now be enjoyed by everyone throughout Scotland.”
Margo MacDonald MSP will tonight (Wednesday 8 June) host a parliamentary reception in support of BBC ALBA welcoming its launch on Freeview. Margo said: “This development should do more to persuade non-Gaelic- speaking Scots of the worth of the language and culture of the Gàidhealtachd than any previous attempt to promote understanding and appreciation of Gaelic’s rich heritage. Gaelic may be an old language but its contribution to contemporary culture will be greatly enhanced by its use of new technologies.”
Alasdair Allan MSP said: “This is a very important step forward for BBC ALBA and I am very pleased that the channel will now have access to Freeview. Many people have campaigned to make this happen for a long time and the Scottish Government has backed the plan from the start.
“BBC ALBA has made an important contribution to broadcasting in Scotland and has also strengthened the profile and use of Gaelic. The whole of Scotland should now have access to BBC ALBA’s programmes and this will help support a fresh generation of Gaelic speakers and enrich our cultural life.”
Celebrities and personalities associated with the channel including actor and film-maker Peter Mullan got behind the channel’s Freeview launch by endorsing the ‘Open Your Eyes’ to BBC ALBA campaign. Peter Mullan said: “The channel has been a great boost for the creative sector in Scotland and long may it continue.”
BBC ALBA has made a positive contribution to Scottish broadcasting and the country’s creative industries with around half of all programme hours produced in Scotland by independent producers being commissioned for BBC ALBA. The channel’s programmes are produced by a range of independent production companies as well as from the BBC and STV.
The channel also plays a key role in promoting the Gaelic language as well as supporting language learning through broadcasting programmes for learners and those interested in Gaelic language and culture. In addition, MG ALBA and the BBC, together with Bòrd na Gàidhlig and other partners, are developing new online resources for Gaelic learners, along with funding from the Scottish Government. The new learners’ website is due to launch in October this year.
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Campbeltown Museum
Councillors will be updated at the executive committee meeting ( Thu 2nd June) on work due to start on Campbeltown Museum this summer to improve what’s on offer. Already the council has given £20,000 which has been match funded by Museums Galleries Scotland. The £40,000 will be used for a new gallery heating system, new display lighting and new blackout blinds to reduce natural light.
The museum is the only one run by Argyll and Bute Council and it has been agreed it will still be curated by staff from Kilmartin House Museum and Auchindrain. This agreement has been in place since 2007 and is necessary to give the council the professional museum service it needs. The arrangement has attracted very positive attention at national level, where it isregardedas a model of innovative good practice.
The new look museum could soon include a number of the late Lady Linda McCartney’s photos. Staff are close to an agreement with the trust which controls her photographic works.
Spokesperson for Third Sector and Communities Councillor Rory Colville says ‘I’m delighted about this great partnership continuing delivering a much needed service for Campbeltown and Argyll and Bute.
‘It is fantastic the museum is getting this money to get things in order to maintain accreditation.’
The museum is the only one run by Argyll and Bute Council and it has been agreed it will still be curated by staff from Kilmartin House Museum and Auchindrain. This agreement has been in place since 2007 and is necessary to give the council the professional museum service it needs. The arrangement has attracted very positive attention at national level, where it isregardedas a model of innovative good practice.
The new look museum could soon include a number of the late Lady Linda McCartney’s photos. Staff are close to an agreement with the trust which controls her photographic works.
Spokesperson for Third Sector and Communities Councillor Rory Colville says ‘I’m delighted about this great partnership continuing delivering a much needed service for Campbeltown and Argyll and Bute.
‘It is fantastic the museum is getting this money to get things in order to maintain accreditation.’
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 11 June – Friday 17 June 2011
Title: Rockness 2011 Music Festival
The Scottish summer festival season starts on BBC ALBA as the channel presents live coverage of the main stage and highlights from the weekend. The Chemical Brothers and Example are among the main stage acts on Saturday plus DJ Annie Mac. Hosted by Andrew Robertson and Emma MacInnes.
Transmitted: Saturday 11 June
Time: 9.00 – 11:00pm
Title: Rockness 2011 Music Festival
Rockness continues on BBC ALBA, with Paolo Nutini, Glasvegas and The Wombats all featuring on the main stage on Sunday. Hosted by Andrew Robertson and Emma MacInnes.
Transmitted: Sunday 12 June
Time: 10.00pm – 12:00 midnight
Title: Taghadh Bho na Trads / Highlights from The Trads
Julie Fowlis presents music and chat from the Trad Award Winners’ – some of the finest traditional musicians in the country. On tonight’s show - Malinky and Joe Aitken.
Transmitted: Monday 13 June
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Trusadh / Papers in The New World
The newspaper industry has seen many changes in recent years. In the past five years alone, sales of newspapers on a national level have fallen by 30%. The expansion of television to a multi-channel world offering 24/7 news, and the impact of the internet and new technology have all changed the way that we consume news.
How though have local newspapers been affected, and what lies ahead for the industry as a whole? Local Western Isles journalist, Murray MacLeod, finds out more.
We hear from other journalists, and visit the Skye based West Highland Free Press, who recently became the UK's first employee owned newspaper. Is this a model that would work for others? In Uist, local newspaper, Am Pàipear, has twice been named Community Newspaper of the Year for the Highlands and Islands recently. What is the secret of its success?
Transmitted: Monday 13 June
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Dannsa
Over the course of this vibrant and highly energetic television series, viewers will follow six different dance groups from around Scotland through the highs and lows of rehearsal, competition and performance and we meet some of the dancers to share their life challenges. The groups are highly diverse in location, style, aspiration, age and accomplishment, including the Heavy Smokers, a street-dancing crew from Livingston, the teenage girls of the Fusion dance class in Aberdeen, the Ballet West school in Taynuilt, Oban, the asylum seekers and refugees of the Maryhill Integration Network in Glasgow, the over sixties at Dance Base in Edinburgh, and the aspiring hopefuls from The Space at the School of Contemporary Dance in Dundee.
All groups along with their teachers and choreographers face the challenge of putting a special dance piece together for a show which will see all six groups showcasing their talents on the same stage for one night only. Renowned Scottish contemporary choreographer Mr Andy Howitt will have the demanding task of incorporating all six groups for the end of series performance special at the Tramway Theatre in Glasgow.
Dannsa...........six groups, six different dance styles, one live dance show!
Transmitted: Monday 13 June
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Soillse / Eye of the Crocodile
In Madagascar, the tiny village of Ambalavuntaka lives in fear of killer crocodiles. For eight years, a giant crocodile has been circling this tiny peninsula, isolated in the middle of the Pangalanes canal in the east of the country. In the last few years, five people have been eaten. As the canal is the only source of water, it's impossible to lead a normal life. Washing up, bathing or simply crossing the canal all these simple, everyday acts have become a bold and risky adventure.
Too poor to buy a gun, the villagers are unable to defend themselves. But even if they did have a rifle, they would still be helpless against this monster. Hunting a creature like this is as skill that only a few accomplished hunters possess.
Responding to the call of the curse on this tiny village lost in the distant bush, a renowned young Madagascan hunter and a French crocodile expert join forces to try to rid this village of their plight.
Transmitted: Wednesday 15 June
Time: 9.00 – 9.55pm
Title: The Corncrake and the Croft An-Diugh
A unique opportunity to watch a documentary from the BBC's The World About Us series from 1977 about crofting and the environment in North Uist. The programme also looks at how the people and places featured have changed since then.
Transmitted: Thursday 16 June
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Anns na Paipearan / News from 1985
Derek Mackay takes a nostalgic look back at some of the stories featured in the Highland press in the year 1985.
Transmitted: Friday 17 June
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
The Scottish summer festival season starts on BBC ALBA as the channel presents live coverage of the main stage and highlights from the weekend. The Chemical Brothers and Example are among the main stage acts on Saturday plus DJ Annie Mac. Hosted by Andrew Robertson and Emma MacInnes.
Transmitted: Saturday 11 June
Time: 9.00 – 11:00pm
Title: Rockness 2011 Music Festival
Rockness continues on BBC ALBA, with Paolo Nutini, Glasvegas and The Wombats all featuring on the main stage on Sunday. Hosted by Andrew Robertson and Emma MacInnes.
Transmitted: Sunday 12 June
Time: 10.00pm – 12:00 midnight
Title: Taghadh Bho na Trads / Highlights from The Trads
Julie Fowlis presents music and chat from the Trad Award Winners’ – some of the finest traditional musicians in the country. On tonight’s show - Malinky and Joe Aitken.
Transmitted: Monday 13 June
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Trusadh / Papers in The New World
The newspaper industry has seen many changes in recent years. In the past five years alone, sales of newspapers on a national level have fallen by 30%. The expansion of television to a multi-channel world offering 24/7 news, and the impact of the internet and new technology have all changed the way that we consume news.
How though have local newspapers been affected, and what lies ahead for the industry as a whole? Local Western Isles journalist, Murray MacLeod, finds out more.
We hear from other journalists, and visit the Skye based West Highland Free Press, who recently became the UK's first employee owned newspaper. Is this a model that would work for others? In Uist, local newspaper, Am Pàipear, has twice been named Community Newspaper of the Year for the Highlands and Islands recently. What is the secret of its success?
Transmitted: Monday 13 June
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Dannsa
Over the course of this vibrant and highly energetic television series, viewers will follow six different dance groups from around Scotland through the highs and lows of rehearsal, competition and performance and we meet some of the dancers to share their life challenges. The groups are highly diverse in location, style, aspiration, age and accomplishment, including the Heavy Smokers, a street-dancing crew from Livingston, the teenage girls of the Fusion dance class in Aberdeen, the Ballet West school in Taynuilt, Oban, the asylum seekers and refugees of the Maryhill Integration Network in Glasgow, the over sixties at Dance Base in Edinburgh, and the aspiring hopefuls from The Space at the School of Contemporary Dance in Dundee.
All groups along with their teachers and choreographers face the challenge of putting a special dance piece together for a show which will see all six groups showcasing their talents on the same stage for one night only. Renowned Scottish contemporary choreographer Mr Andy Howitt will have the demanding task of incorporating all six groups for the end of series performance special at the Tramway Theatre in Glasgow.
Dannsa...........six groups, six different dance styles, one live dance show!
Transmitted: Monday 13 June
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Soillse / Eye of the Crocodile
In Madagascar, the tiny village of Ambalavuntaka lives in fear of killer crocodiles. For eight years, a giant crocodile has been circling this tiny peninsula, isolated in the middle of the Pangalanes canal in the east of the country. In the last few years, five people have been eaten. As the canal is the only source of water, it's impossible to lead a normal life. Washing up, bathing or simply crossing the canal all these simple, everyday acts have become a bold and risky adventure.
Too poor to buy a gun, the villagers are unable to defend themselves. But even if they did have a rifle, they would still be helpless against this monster. Hunting a creature like this is as skill that only a few accomplished hunters possess.
Responding to the call of the curse on this tiny village lost in the distant bush, a renowned young Madagascan hunter and a French crocodile expert join forces to try to rid this village of their plight.
Transmitted: Wednesday 15 June
Time: 9.00 – 9.55pm
Title: The Corncrake and the Croft An-Diugh
A unique opportunity to watch a documentary from the BBC's The World About Us series from 1977 about crofting and the environment in North Uist. The programme also looks at how the people and places featured have changed since then.
Transmitted: Thursday 16 June
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Anns na Paipearan / News from 1985
Derek Mackay takes a nostalgic look back at some of the stories featured in the Highland press in the year 1985.
Transmitted: Friday 17 June
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
NFUS says " MINISTERIAL MEETING PLOTS POSITIVE FUTURE"
NFU Scotland has met with Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the nation’s Environment Minister to plot out a positive future for food, farming and farm-based energy generation.
The meeting was the first between NFU Scotland President Nigel Miller and Richard Lochhead since Mr Lochhead was re-appointed to the Cabinet Secretary post following the Scottish parliamentary elections in May. They were joined by Stewart Stevenson, Scotland’s new Minister for the Environment and Climate Change.
Following the meeting, Mr Miller said:
“There is a real determination from both sides to build on the achievements and the positives of the last four years and ensure that our food and farming industries continue to move forward and flourish.
“Discussions focussed on how we can continue to improve the performance of primary production and food processing industries in order to generate real growth and opportunities for the Scottish rural economy. Opening up routes for supporting collaborative processing initiatives will be increasingly important if we are to achieve a diverse and wide-ranging food sector for the future. At the same time, we need to identify and remove any barriers that may stifle and inhibit the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that a successful food and farming sector needs.
“We are committed to working with the Scottish Government to set out the options and opportunities for farm businesses so that farmers, their families and their employees can make choices on how to take their businesses forward.
“There was agreement that we must continue to proactively tackle the immediate issue of CAP reform and future support arrangements for farmers and crofters as volatility and uncertainty are stumbling blocks to farm business development. We discussed with Ministers the priorities for Scotland and securing flexibility in any deal on CAP that comes out of Europe that could allow us to distribute the single farm payment (SFP) in the way that best suits our industry’s needs.
“As part of the CAP package, both NFUS and the Scottish Government are committed to sorting out the problem faced by new entrants who do not have access to SFP. A problem that must be dealt with at the earliest opportunity.
“As part of any CAP negotiations, the onerous cross-compliance requirements and penalty regime must be factored in to EU discussions. We discussed with Ministers the possibility of Scotland operating a pilot scheme to show Europe how an industry-owned inspection system may operate. We believe this could ensure higher levels of compliance while allowing those who voluntarily join up to the scheme being able to opt out of Government inspections and penalties.
“Having Stewart Stevenson at the meeting provided us with an opportunity to discuss Scottish Government strategy on renewables and the important role that farm-based projects will play in meeting ambitious energy targets. For that potential to be realised, we need to work with Scottish Government and examine how we unlock the obstacles that are currently limiting on-farm developments.”
The meeting was the first between NFU Scotland President Nigel Miller and Richard Lochhead since Mr Lochhead was re-appointed to the Cabinet Secretary post following the Scottish parliamentary elections in May. They were joined by Stewart Stevenson, Scotland’s new Minister for the Environment and Climate Change.
Following the meeting, Mr Miller said:
“There is a real determination from both sides to build on the achievements and the positives of the last four years and ensure that our food and farming industries continue to move forward and flourish.
“Discussions focussed on how we can continue to improve the performance of primary production and food processing industries in order to generate real growth and opportunities for the Scottish rural economy. Opening up routes for supporting collaborative processing initiatives will be increasingly important if we are to achieve a diverse and wide-ranging food sector for the future. At the same time, we need to identify and remove any barriers that may stifle and inhibit the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that a successful food and farming sector needs.
“We are committed to working with the Scottish Government to set out the options and opportunities for farm businesses so that farmers, their families and their employees can make choices on how to take their businesses forward.
“There was agreement that we must continue to proactively tackle the immediate issue of CAP reform and future support arrangements for farmers and crofters as volatility and uncertainty are stumbling blocks to farm business development. We discussed with Ministers the priorities for Scotland and securing flexibility in any deal on CAP that comes out of Europe that could allow us to distribute the single farm payment (SFP) in the way that best suits our industry’s needs.
“As part of the CAP package, both NFUS and the Scottish Government are committed to sorting out the problem faced by new entrants who do not have access to SFP. A problem that must be dealt with at the earliest opportunity.
“As part of any CAP negotiations, the onerous cross-compliance requirements and penalty regime must be factored in to EU discussions. We discussed with Ministers the possibility of Scotland operating a pilot scheme to show Europe how an industry-owned inspection system may operate. We believe this could ensure higher levels of compliance while allowing those who voluntarily join up to the scheme being able to opt out of Government inspections and penalties.
“Having Stewart Stevenson at the meeting provided us with an opportunity to discuss Scottish Government strategy on renewables and the important role that farm-based projects will play in meeting ambitious energy targets. For that potential to be realised, we need to work with Scottish Government and examine how we unlock the obstacles that are currently limiting on-farm developments.”
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