Argyll and Bute Council will consider holding extra consultation meetings with communities which could eventually be affected by any future decisions to amalgamate primary schools.
The additional consultation will give community representatives the opportunity to have their opinions included in community impact assessments, which will give the council better understanding of how changes to schools could be managed.
The council will be asked to agree a recommendation to hold informal pre consultation meetings with representatives from twelve communities that may be affected by the school estate review. This represents a new approach from the council, giving greater transparency, greater detail and greater involvement from communities.
If agreed the informal consultation will take place during the weeks commencing March 14 and 21, in the form of facilitated workshops, with the results helping to shape proposals which will be presented to council at the beginning of April.
On 3 March the council will also be asked to agree a recommendation to review the school estate on an ongoing basis, reducing the future scale of any changes which would be considered at any one time.
Once the informal discussions are completed community impact assessments will be presented to the groups who contributed to council. These assessments will inform decisions taken over which proposals will go forward for formal consultation.
Councillor Morton believes the new approach is a positive step. She explains:
“Children in Argyll and Bute receive a good standard of education and we are determined that will continue. However, education accounts for almost one third of the council’s overall budget so it’s important we make sure the money we have available is spent in the most effective way possible.
“Any proposal to reduce the number of primary schools is going to be controversial. When I was appointed Spokesperson for Education I wanted to be absolutely confident that our proposals would continue to provide excellent education for children in Argyll and Bute. I’ve spent a lot of time since January visiting schools, listening to parents and understanding their concerns.
“However, we still need to be realistic and face the fact that the council needs to make savings. We have too many schools and too many of them are under-occupied. We have an inequitable situation where the cost of education per pupil ranges from around £3,000 per year in some schools up to £30,000 in others. This situation is not sustainable. I still think we need to hear more from our communities before we make further decisions which is why I’m suggesting we have some informal consultation meetings before developing our plans for the school estate any further.
“There has been a lot of valuable work carried out to date and this will all contribute to the eventual proposals, which I will bring to council in April.”
Consultation on proposals to amalgamate 25 schools into 19, reducing the total number of primary schools from 80 to 55 was suspended on 5 January on the recommendation of Councillor Morton, the council’s recently appointed spokesperson for education. Councillor Morton wanted extra time to fully consider the proposals in light of her new appointment, the council’s reduced budget settlement from the Scottish Government and the news that the settlement only represented a one-year budget agreement. Councillors agreed to pause the consultation to allow Councillor Morton time to examine the proposals in greater detail.
Since then Councillor Morton has visited more than 60 primary schools, including all of those included in the original consultation exercise and has worked with council officers to review the way the process will continue.
And the council has held constructive and positive discussions with the Scottish Rural Schools Network and The Argyll Rural Schools Network (ARSN) The discussions with ARSN have helped develop an outline joint protocol for the pre-consultation activity, which councillors will now consider.
Councillors also requested additional information about the school estate review at the meeting on January 5 and the extra time has been used to compile this information and share it with councillors.
Argyll and Bute Council recently confirmed its budget proposals for the next three years, which sees the council saving £12 million in 2011-12, with predictions for an estimated further £31 million savings to be found over the next two years.
The education service accounts for around one third of the council’s total budget and has already made savings for 2011-12 of £2.6m.
The council paper proposes pre-consultation meeting for the following communities:
North Bute
Toward
Luss
Achaleven
Ardchattan
Ashfield
Minard
Rhunahaorine
Clachan
Skipness
Thursday, 24 February 2011
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
PLANNING IS KEY TO UNLOCKING RENEWABLES POTENTIAL
NFUS and SAOS welcome pre-planning funding boost
NFU Scotland has used the North East Wind Energy Event, taking place at Methlick, Aberdeenshire today (Wednesday, 23 February) to call for planning officials and local authorities to adopt a more consistent and responsible approach to Scotland’s fledgling renewables sector.
Opening the event, NFU Scotland President Nigel Miller said buy-in from the nation’s farmers was a big factor if Scotland is to hit its ambitious target of generating 80 percent of its power requirement from renewables by 2020.
The farming industry’s appetite to get involved in renewable schemes, and the appreciation of what such projects can do for a farm business was growing daily. However, several potential projects were stalling at the planning stage. The Union welcomed the recent additional funding made available to the industry by Scottish Government to assist in getting projects to the pre-planning level and it hopes that time spent at this stage will assist the application process at local authority level.
Speaking at the North East Wind Energy Event, Mr Miller said:
“The Scottish Government’s ambitious targets for renewable energy are heavily dependent on Scottish farmers buying into the benefits that energy generating schemes have to offer at a farm level – whether involved with wind, hydro, biogas or anaerobic digestion.
“The good news is that the UK’s Feed in Tariff scheme (FiTs) and the rewards available for generating energy means that for many Scottish farmers, small-scale renewables can be a viable means of diversification. But the opportunity is now, and must be seized upon by all that have a part to play in growing our renewables sector.
“It is important that the early review of FiTs, announced recently by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, does not derail or put the brakes on renewable opportunities and we will be feeding in our views to that consultation process.
“Here in Scotland, more often than not, it is planning authorities who are central to the future of any renewable energy schemes being planned for the Scottish countryside and I welcome the involvement of Aberdeenshire Council in today’s event. Member experience of the planning process, to date, has been mixed and the level of inconsistency with regards to approval of projects can only drive frustration. If we are genuinely serious about generating our own energy from renewable sources, then a presumption in favour of projects at the planning stage would be a big step forward.
“For many, getting to the planning stage requires a leap of faith. That is why the additional funding announced by Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead at the NFUS AGM last week is so welcome. An additional £2.4 million is being ploughed into the Communities and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) Loan Fund, and from April, the fund will have greater access to farmers and other land managers.
“The fund is there to help farmers through the risky start-up process, and will cover 90% of the costs involved in getting to the planning stage. The risk is low, as loans from the fund will only be paid back back by successful ventures. This has the potential to speed up the development of the renewables sector in Scotland and I would urge any farmer considering venturing into a renewables project to look at what CARES can do to help them.”
Also commenting on the CARES funding, James Graham, Chief Executive of SAOS, said:
“The launch of the fund means that we can now get serious about bringing home the full financial rewards of renewables to rural businesses and communities throughout Scotland. The grants will enable groups to get over the ‘first hurdle’ of the pre-planning stage and should free up some exciting and hugely beneficial collaborative projects.”
“Several of our member co-ops are at the forefront of the renewables sector - there’s a real buzz of excitement around these developments and, with the right decisions and equipment in place, they can be very profitable. We are exceptionally lucky with the natural resources we have available to us in Scotland and ensuring businesses link up with local communities to ensure everyone benefits makes good sense.”
NFU Scotland has used the North East Wind Energy Event, taking place at Methlick, Aberdeenshire today (Wednesday, 23 February) to call for planning officials and local authorities to adopt a more consistent and responsible approach to Scotland’s fledgling renewables sector.
Opening the event, NFU Scotland President Nigel Miller said buy-in from the nation’s farmers was a big factor if Scotland is to hit its ambitious target of generating 80 percent of its power requirement from renewables by 2020.
The farming industry’s appetite to get involved in renewable schemes, and the appreciation of what such projects can do for a farm business was growing daily. However, several potential projects were stalling at the planning stage. The Union welcomed the recent additional funding made available to the industry by Scottish Government to assist in getting projects to the pre-planning level and it hopes that time spent at this stage will assist the application process at local authority level.
Speaking at the North East Wind Energy Event, Mr Miller said:
“The Scottish Government’s ambitious targets for renewable energy are heavily dependent on Scottish farmers buying into the benefits that energy generating schemes have to offer at a farm level – whether involved with wind, hydro, biogas or anaerobic digestion.
“The good news is that the UK’s Feed in Tariff scheme (FiTs) and the rewards available for generating energy means that for many Scottish farmers, small-scale renewables can be a viable means of diversification. But the opportunity is now, and must be seized upon by all that have a part to play in growing our renewables sector.
“It is important that the early review of FiTs, announced recently by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, does not derail or put the brakes on renewable opportunities and we will be feeding in our views to that consultation process.
“Here in Scotland, more often than not, it is planning authorities who are central to the future of any renewable energy schemes being planned for the Scottish countryside and I welcome the involvement of Aberdeenshire Council in today’s event. Member experience of the planning process, to date, has been mixed and the level of inconsistency with regards to approval of projects can only drive frustration. If we are genuinely serious about generating our own energy from renewable sources, then a presumption in favour of projects at the planning stage would be a big step forward.
“For many, getting to the planning stage requires a leap of faith. That is why the additional funding announced by Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead at the NFUS AGM last week is so welcome. An additional £2.4 million is being ploughed into the Communities and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) Loan Fund, and from April, the fund will have greater access to farmers and other land managers.
“The fund is there to help farmers through the risky start-up process, and will cover 90% of the costs involved in getting to the planning stage. The risk is low, as loans from the fund will only be paid back back by successful ventures. This has the potential to speed up the development of the renewables sector in Scotland and I would urge any farmer considering venturing into a renewables project to look at what CARES can do to help them.”
Also commenting on the CARES funding, James Graham, Chief Executive of SAOS, said:
“The launch of the fund means that we can now get serious about bringing home the full financial rewards of renewables to rural businesses and communities throughout Scotland. The grants will enable groups to get over the ‘first hurdle’ of the pre-planning stage and should free up some exciting and hugely beneficial collaborative projects.”
“Several of our member co-ops are at the forefront of the renewables sector - there’s a real buzz of excitement around these developments and, with the right decisions and equipment in place, they can be very profitable. We are exceptionally lucky with the natural resources we have available to us in Scotland and ensuring businesses link up with local communities to ensure everyone benefits makes good sense.”
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
NFUS WELCOME FOR SEPA CHANGE PROPOSALS
NFU Scotland has broadly welcomed proposals brought forward by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) which aim to create a better framework for environmental regulation.
The Union has hailed the publication of the SEPA proposals as a significant step in the right direction with the potential to introduce much needed proportionality to environmental regulation by relating enforcement and compliance directly to any risk to the environment.
In responding to the SEPA proposals, Head of Rural Policy, Jonnie Hall said:
“The SEPA proposals are focused on achieving simpler, more integrated, more proportionate, and more effective environmental regulation for Scotland. That is a refreshing move towards better regulation that chimes with NFU Scotland’s aims of identifying a system that reduces bureaucracy and duplication, whilst protecting and improving the environment at the same time.
“We recognise that SEPA, in the current economic climate, will face major challenges in meeting its environmental remit whilst operating at an overall lower cost. It will not be easy to deliver on obligations with reduced resources, but it appears that SEPA is prepared to tackle that by examining regulations and implementing them in a more balanced way.
“We hope that will be good news for the farming industry. Agricultural activities are, by and large, of low environmental risk and compliance issues are best dealt with by information and guidance rather than bureaucracy and fines.
“In addition, we would like to see implementation of SEPA’s proposals result in the delivery of improvements to existing registration, licensing and charging regimes that better reflect the degree of risk farm businesses present to the environment. These changes must move environmental regulation and its enforcement away from a catch all ‘belt and braces’ approach that often results in disproportionate penalties and restrictions.
“If SEPA is successful in its ambition of eliminating unnecessary legislation; improving licensing and inspections; minimising the administration burden in relation to farm businesses and continuing to promote best practice, then the relationship between the farming industry in Scotland and our lead environmental body will be moved to a more practical and pragmatic footing. We look forward to working with SEPA to achieve that.”
The Union has hailed the publication of the SEPA proposals as a significant step in the right direction with the potential to introduce much needed proportionality to environmental regulation by relating enforcement and compliance directly to any risk to the environment.
In responding to the SEPA proposals, Head of Rural Policy, Jonnie Hall said:
“The SEPA proposals are focused on achieving simpler, more integrated, more proportionate, and more effective environmental regulation for Scotland. That is a refreshing move towards better regulation that chimes with NFU Scotland’s aims of identifying a system that reduces bureaucracy and duplication, whilst protecting and improving the environment at the same time.
“We recognise that SEPA, in the current economic climate, will face major challenges in meeting its environmental remit whilst operating at an overall lower cost. It will not be easy to deliver on obligations with reduced resources, but it appears that SEPA is prepared to tackle that by examining regulations and implementing them in a more balanced way.
“We hope that will be good news for the farming industry. Agricultural activities are, by and large, of low environmental risk and compliance issues are best dealt with by information and guidance rather than bureaucracy and fines.
“In addition, we would like to see implementation of SEPA’s proposals result in the delivery of improvements to existing registration, licensing and charging regimes that better reflect the degree of risk farm businesses present to the environment. These changes must move environmental regulation and its enforcement away from a catch all ‘belt and braces’ approach that often results in disproportionate penalties and restrictions.
“If SEPA is successful in its ambition of eliminating unnecessary legislation; improving licensing and inspections; minimising the administration burden in relation to farm businesses and continuing to promote best practice, then the relationship between the farming industry in Scotland and our lead environmental body will be moved to a more practical and pragmatic footing. We look forward to working with SEPA to achieve that.”
Council continues to push for vehicle element to new ferry service
Argyll and Bute Council has pledged to continue to lobby for a vehicle element to any new ferry link between the main town centres of Gourock and Dunoon.
The news came as the Scottish Government finally issued its long-awaited tender documentation for the route.
The Scottish Government now has responsibility for choosing the company which will run the new ferry service. Both Argyll and Bute and Inverclyde councils remain hopeful that their views – which reflect those of the communities they serve - will influence any final decision.
Argyll and Bute council leader, Councillor Dick Walsh, stressed that the authority had worked tirelessly to ensure that the tender would allow the community’s aspirations for a vehicle service to be incorporated.
“It is the stated wish of both communities to have a vehicle and passenger ferry service between the town centres of Gourock and Dunoon, which ties into other existing public transport services and improves links with employment, learning, health and service opportunities,” he added.
“It is our view that this service is vital for the economic and social cohesion and well-being of the two communities and their surrounding areas.”
Argyll and Bute and Inverclyde councils have vigorously pursued the establishment of a vehicle and foot passenger ferry service on the route. In the last two years alone both authorities have lobbied the European Commission to highlight their view on the vital nature of this service and have made strong representations to senior members of the European Commission.
In addition, a tripartite working arrangement was established between the Scottish Government Ferries Division and the two councils - the main aim of which was to see a vehicle and foot passenger ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon town centres.
In December 2009, the European Commission ruled that public subsidy can only be provided for the passenger element of the service.
Since then, both Argyll and Bute and Inverclyde have - whilst acknowledging the ruling - sought to vigorously ensure that the tender would still allow the community aspirations for a vehicle service to be incorporated and operate commercially under stringent accounting, to ensure no subsidy leakage from the passenger service.
Both councils have also sought independent legal advice on how the EC decision can be adhered to whilst achieving a tender which would allow the communities’ aspirations to be met.
The main findings from this exercise were passed to the Scottish Government last year.
Argyll and Bute and Inverclyde councils, along with the residents and businesses of Dunoon, Gourock and the surrounding areas, remain hopeful that a commercial provider will be able to operate a profitable service which includes provision for vehicles, even without the government contributing to the vehicle element.
The Scottish Government originally invited council officers on to its Tender Development and Evaluation Panel.
However, the councils wrote a joint letter to Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson last April which accepted that they would not have a role to play on this panel.
“We recognised that the Scottish Government was responsible for managing the tender process, and is ultimately accountable for the service,” Councillor Walsh said.
“We have fought long and hard in pursuing the communities’ wish for a passenger and vehicle service, and continue to lobby in this respect. However, we accepted that we could no longer influence the tender itself.
“We acknowledge the strict European Commission ruling which states that public subsidy can only be provided for the passenger element of any service. But we do not accept that this prohibits the incorporation of a vehicle service in the tendering process.
“I have personally campaigned on this issue for some years, and Argyll and Bute Council remains fully behind the communities in their support for a service with a vehicle element. I am still very hopeful that the company chosen to operate this vital ferry link will be one which will cater for both foot passengers and vehicles.”
In January of this year, Argyll and Bute and Inverclyde councils sent a joint letter to Keith Brown, the new Transport Minister, clearly articulating their concerns about the ongoing delays in procuring a town centre to town centre ferry service and seeking clarification on the timetable for securing the service.
Despite regular requests to be kept informed of developments, the two councils only found out indirectly about the plan to tender the route last Friday (18 February).
Argyll and Bute Council leader, Councillor Dick Walsh, said: “I am extremely disappointed that despite our regular requests to be kept informed of any developments, the two councils only found out indirectly about the issuing of a tender for this route.
“Both communities wish to have a vehicle and passenger ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon town centres, which links with other existing public transport services. We have diligently championed these aims.
“I sincerely hope that all options have been examined in exhaustive detail by the Scottish Government and that the winning bidder will realise the wishes of both communities , whilst staying within the parameters outlined in the European Commission’s decision.”
Scottish Government officials have indicated that the tenders are expected to be returned in March. It is anticipated that the contract for the route will be awarded in June.
The news came as the Scottish Government finally issued its long-awaited tender documentation for the route.
The Scottish Government now has responsibility for choosing the company which will run the new ferry service. Both Argyll and Bute and Inverclyde councils remain hopeful that their views – which reflect those of the communities they serve - will influence any final decision.
Argyll and Bute council leader, Councillor Dick Walsh, stressed that the authority had worked tirelessly to ensure that the tender would allow the community’s aspirations for a vehicle service to be incorporated.
“It is the stated wish of both communities to have a vehicle and passenger ferry service between the town centres of Gourock and Dunoon, which ties into other existing public transport services and improves links with employment, learning, health and service opportunities,” he added.
“It is our view that this service is vital for the economic and social cohesion and well-being of the two communities and their surrounding areas.”
Argyll and Bute and Inverclyde councils have vigorously pursued the establishment of a vehicle and foot passenger ferry service on the route. In the last two years alone both authorities have lobbied the European Commission to highlight their view on the vital nature of this service and have made strong representations to senior members of the European Commission.
In addition, a tripartite working arrangement was established between the Scottish Government Ferries Division and the two councils - the main aim of which was to see a vehicle and foot passenger ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon town centres.
In December 2009, the European Commission ruled that public subsidy can only be provided for the passenger element of the service.
Since then, both Argyll and Bute and Inverclyde have - whilst acknowledging the ruling - sought to vigorously ensure that the tender would still allow the community aspirations for a vehicle service to be incorporated and operate commercially under stringent accounting, to ensure no subsidy leakage from the passenger service.
Both councils have also sought independent legal advice on how the EC decision can be adhered to whilst achieving a tender which would allow the communities’ aspirations to be met.
The main findings from this exercise were passed to the Scottish Government last year.
Argyll and Bute and Inverclyde councils, along with the residents and businesses of Dunoon, Gourock and the surrounding areas, remain hopeful that a commercial provider will be able to operate a profitable service which includes provision for vehicles, even without the government contributing to the vehicle element.
The Scottish Government originally invited council officers on to its Tender Development and Evaluation Panel.
However, the councils wrote a joint letter to Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson last April which accepted that they would not have a role to play on this panel.
“We recognised that the Scottish Government was responsible for managing the tender process, and is ultimately accountable for the service,” Councillor Walsh said.
“We have fought long and hard in pursuing the communities’ wish for a passenger and vehicle service, and continue to lobby in this respect. However, we accepted that we could no longer influence the tender itself.
“We acknowledge the strict European Commission ruling which states that public subsidy can only be provided for the passenger element of any service. But we do not accept that this prohibits the incorporation of a vehicle service in the tendering process.
“I have personally campaigned on this issue for some years, and Argyll and Bute Council remains fully behind the communities in their support for a service with a vehicle element. I am still very hopeful that the company chosen to operate this vital ferry link will be one which will cater for both foot passengers and vehicles.”
In January of this year, Argyll and Bute and Inverclyde councils sent a joint letter to Keith Brown, the new Transport Minister, clearly articulating their concerns about the ongoing delays in procuring a town centre to town centre ferry service and seeking clarification on the timetable for securing the service.
Despite regular requests to be kept informed of developments, the two councils only found out indirectly about the plan to tender the route last Friday (18 February).
Argyll and Bute Council leader, Councillor Dick Walsh, said: “I am extremely disappointed that despite our regular requests to be kept informed of any developments, the two councils only found out indirectly about the issuing of a tender for this route.
“Both communities wish to have a vehicle and passenger ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon town centres, which links with other existing public transport services. We have diligently championed these aims.
“I sincerely hope that all options have been examined in exhaustive detail by the Scottish Government and that the winning bidder will realise the wishes of both communities , whilst staying within the parameters outlined in the European Commission’s decision.”
Scottish Government officials have indicated that the tenders are expected to be returned in March. It is anticipated that the contract for the route will be awarded in June.
Monday, 21 February 2011
NFU SCOTLAND APPOINTS NEW TOP TEAM
Nigel Miller takes on Presidency with Allan Bowie and John Picken as Vice-Presidents
Borders farmer and vet, Nigel Miller, has been elected as the new President of NFU Scotland at the Union’s AGM, being held in St Andrews. He replaces Jim McLaren, who steps down after four years in the role.
Nigel Miller’s Presidential team was completed with the election of Allan Bowie and John Picken – both from Fife – as Vice-Presidents.
Over the last eight years, Mr Miller has served as both Vice-President and chairman of the Union’s Livestock committee. Speaking after his appointment, Mr Miller said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be taking on this role. There can be no better job in Scottish farming than being asked to represent your fellow farmers and I am deeply honoured.
“In taking on the role of President, I recognise the huge challenge and the crucial period that the Scottish industry is entering. For many of our producers, the shadow of a dysfunctional market hangs over many of them and much of the assistance we need as a sector is under threat as budgets are being stripped back.
“The key funding source for Scottish farming remains the Common Agricultural Policy and the debate around reform at a European level is building momentum. I firmly believe the Union has a pivotal role in moving us into a new and better era post-CAP reform in 2013. To have won the support of members to lead NFUS is a privilege and I now plan to give my energy to that whole process.”
Nigel Miller, Allan Bowie and John Picken were elected at NFU Scotland’s AGM, taking place at the Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews on 15th February.
Nigel Miller farms at Stagehall, Stow, Selkirkshire. His roots are very much in beef and sheep production with 170 cows and 900 ewes. Stagehall is a Macaulay grade 5 LFA unit with cropping limited to fodder production with a limited acreage of spring barley for feed. Two of Nigel’s sons are partners in the business.
Allan Bowie, of Windmill Road, St Andrews, has been Vice-President of NFU Scotland for two years. Allan farms in partnership with his wife, Christine in North East Fife, having recently sold the owner-occupied farm at Anstruther. He currently farms 640 acres under SLDT / contract farming agreements. The farming business is all arable, predominately wheat, barley, potatoes and vegetables. The majority of wheat goes for distilling, barley for malting, potatoes and vegetables to packers for the major retailers.
John Picken, farms at Priorletham, St Andrews, Fife: a mixed farm, growing wheat for whisky and oats for his local OatCo producer group of which he is a founding member. He has a suckler cow herd put to an Angus bull and a few pedigree breeding ewes. He has recently acquired planning permission to erect a wind turbine and diversified into tourism providing holiday accommodation. He has been chairman of the Combinable Crops committee for five years.
The retiring President was Jim McLaren, who stood down as President of NFU Scotland having served in the post for four years.
The post of President is open for election every two years with a maximum of one additional two-year term if re-elected. The two Vice-Presidential posts are both for one-year terms. Members of NFU Scotland’s council selected the successful candidates. The Union’s council is a body made up from representatives of each of the Union’s 71 branches.
Borders farmer and vet, Nigel Miller, has been elected as the new President of NFU Scotland at the Union’s AGM, being held in St Andrews. He replaces Jim McLaren, who steps down after four years in the role.
Nigel Miller’s Presidential team was completed with the election of Allan Bowie and John Picken – both from Fife – as Vice-Presidents.
Over the last eight years, Mr Miller has served as both Vice-President and chairman of the Union’s Livestock committee. Speaking after his appointment, Mr Miller said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be taking on this role. There can be no better job in Scottish farming than being asked to represent your fellow farmers and I am deeply honoured.
“In taking on the role of President, I recognise the huge challenge and the crucial period that the Scottish industry is entering. For many of our producers, the shadow of a dysfunctional market hangs over many of them and much of the assistance we need as a sector is under threat as budgets are being stripped back.
“The key funding source for Scottish farming remains the Common Agricultural Policy and the debate around reform at a European level is building momentum. I firmly believe the Union has a pivotal role in moving us into a new and better era post-CAP reform in 2013. To have won the support of members to lead NFUS is a privilege and I now plan to give my energy to that whole process.”
Nigel Miller, Allan Bowie and John Picken were elected at NFU Scotland’s AGM, taking place at the Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews on 15th February.
Nigel Miller farms at Stagehall, Stow, Selkirkshire. His roots are very much in beef and sheep production with 170 cows and 900 ewes. Stagehall is a Macaulay grade 5 LFA unit with cropping limited to fodder production with a limited acreage of spring barley for feed. Two of Nigel’s sons are partners in the business.
Allan Bowie, of Windmill Road, St Andrews, has been Vice-President of NFU Scotland for two years. Allan farms in partnership with his wife, Christine in North East Fife, having recently sold the owner-occupied farm at Anstruther. He currently farms 640 acres under SLDT / contract farming agreements. The farming business is all arable, predominately wheat, barley, potatoes and vegetables. The majority of wheat goes for distilling, barley for malting, potatoes and vegetables to packers for the major retailers.
John Picken, farms at Priorletham, St Andrews, Fife: a mixed farm, growing wheat for whisky and oats for his local OatCo producer group of which he is a founding member. He has a suckler cow herd put to an Angus bull and a few pedigree breeding ewes. He has recently acquired planning permission to erect a wind turbine and diversified into tourism providing holiday accommodation. He has been chairman of the Combinable Crops committee for five years.
The retiring President was Jim McLaren, who stood down as President of NFU Scotland having served in the post for four years.
The post of President is open for election every two years with a maximum of one additional two-year term if re-elected. The two Vice-Presidential posts are both for one-year terms. Members of NFU Scotland’s council selected the successful candidates. The Union’s council is a body made up from representatives of each of the Union’s 71 branches.
OUTGOING NFUS PRESIDENT POINTS TO POSITIVE FUTURE
McLaren’s Final Address hits at Defra Mixed Messages on CAP
NFU Scotland’s retiring President, Jim McLaren, used his final address to the Union’s AGM to point to a positive long-term future for Scottish agriculture with strengthening demand for food and opportunities in new areas such as renewables.
However, in the short-term, Scottish farmers are concerned about future support arrangements and mixed messages from Defra on its position regarding the future of the CAP is fuelling uncertainty.
The CAP is the main policy in Europe for delivering support to farming businesses. Negotiations on reforms to the CAP begin in earnest this year and new arrangements are intended to be in place from 2014 onwards. Although devolved administrations will have their preferred options for reform, Defra will be the lead negotiator in these discussions.
Recent political statements from the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Caroline Spelman have suggested that the new CAP needs to be fundamentally different and that rising global demand for food and rising food prices make it possible to not only reduce support to farmers but plan for its abolition. However, NFU Scotland believes that with ongoing market volatility and rising input costs, the justification for continued support to agriculture, targeted at active producers is stronger than ever.
The UK’s Farming Minister, Jim Paice accepted an offer to address the NFU Scotland AGM, the first Defra minister to attend a Union AGM since devolution, and was in the audience to hear Mr McLaren’s speech.
Mr McLaren said:
“A bright and prosperous future surely exists for an industry which not only provides the very food we need to live, but increasingly the energy we now take so much for granted. We protect the natural environment, provide access to the countryside and we deliver the many wider benefits to society, brought about by a vibrant and properly supported rural economy.
“Given the important role of support, I am deeply concerned that as we enter a period of crucial negotiations on CAP, we have a UK Member State position from the new coalition government that has continued the old rhetoric of the last administration. Calling for the abolition of direct payments and immediate cuts to the CAP budget will find no support here in Scotland and runs the risk of isolating the UK government from other key Member States in Europe before the debate has even begun.
“The good news is that Scotland’s voice is being heard loudly and clearly through the work of Brian Pack and others, and we are leading much of the thinking in the whole of Europe.
“The UK is a diverse food-producing nation, with areas in Scotland and Wales at real risk of land abandonment if support is reduced or withdrawn. This risk is one of the key European drivers for continued targeted agricultural support, and Caroline Spelman should be using it as a lever to maintain payments to the UK with those payments targeted at active farmers.
“Of course, some sectors can aspire to a future with less support – indeed, some sectors receive no support now - but until the market place finally delivers a return for all, it must be recognised that large areas of Scotland are a very, very long way from surviving with less support.
“As the global demand for food and energy continues unabated, Scottish producers remain well-placed to benefit.
“Presumption in favour of small-scale renewable energy generation on farm should be the default position of our local planning authorities. The prospect of a return to energy-independent farming is a very real one indeed.
“I remain hugely confident about the future of our entire industry. That future is in our hands, as farmers, and we must grasp it.”
NFU Scotland’s retiring President, Jim McLaren, used his final address to the Union’s AGM to point to a positive long-term future for Scottish agriculture with strengthening demand for food and opportunities in new areas such as renewables.
However, in the short-term, Scottish farmers are concerned about future support arrangements and mixed messages from Defra on its position regarding the future of the CAP is fuelling uncertainty.
The CAP is the main policy in Europe for delivering support to farming businesses. Negotiations on reforms to the CAP begin in earnest this year and new arrangements are intended to be in place from 2014 onwards. Although devolved administrations will have their preferred options for reform, Defra will be the lead negotiator in these discussions.
Recent political statements from the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Caroline Spelman have suggested that the new CAP needs to be fundamentally different and that rising global demand for food and rising food prices make it possible to not only reduce support to farmers but plan for its abolition. However, NFU Scotland believes that with ongoing market volatility and rising input costs, the justification for continued support to agriculture, targeted at active producers is stronger than ever.
The UK’s Farming Minister, Jim Paice accepted an offer to address the NFU Scotland AGM, the first Defra minister to attend a Union AGM since devolution, and was in the audience to hear Mr McLaren’s speech.
Mr McLaren said:
“A bright and prosperous future surely exists for an industry which not only provides the very food we need to live, but increasingly the energy we now take so much for granted. We protect the natural environment, provide access to the countryside and we deliver the many wider benefits to society, brought about by a vibrant and properly supported rural economy.
“Given the important role of support, I am deeply concerned that as we enter a period of crucial negotiations on CAP, we have a UK Member State position from the new coalition government that has continued the old rhetoric of the last administration. Calling for the abolition of direct payments and immediate cuts to the CAP budget will find no support here in Scotland and runs the risk of isolating the UK government from other key Member States in Europe before the debate has even begun.
“The good news is that Scotland’s voice is being heard loudly and clearly through the work of Brian Pack and others, and we are leading much of the thinking in the whole of Europe.
“The UK is a diverse food-producing nation, with areas in Scotland and Wales at real risk of land abandonment if support is reduced or withdrawn. This risk is one of the key European drivers for continued targeted agricultural support, and Caroline Spelman should be using it as a lever to maintain payments to the UK with those payments targeted at active farmers.
“Of course, some sectors can aspire to a future with less support – indeed, some sectors receive no support now - but until the market place finally delivers a return for all, it must be recognised that large areas of Scotland are a very, very long way from surviving with less support.
“As the global demand for food and energy continues unabated, Scottish producers remain well-placed to benefit.
“Presumption in favour of small-scale renewable energy generation on farm should be the default position of our local planning authorities. The prospect of a return to energy-independent farming is a very real one indeed.
“I remain hugely confident about the future of our entire industry. That future is in our hands, as farmers, and we must grasp it.”
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 26 February – Friday 4 March 2011
Title: SPL Hamilton v Dundee Utd
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Hamilton Academical host Dundee United at New Douglas Park.
Transmitted: Saturday 26th February 2011
Time: 17:30
Title: Trusadh: MS
Scotland has the highest prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis of any country in the world, with one in 500 Scots living with this progressive neurological disease.
In this hour long documentary we get a glimpse into the lives of a handful of those individual sufferers.
We find out how they deal with the problems that MS throws up, and meet several who refuse to let the disease beat them – and in particular, Christine Stewart in Stornoway, who is campaigning for a specialist MS nurse to be appointed for the Western Isles.
Despite the high prevalence of MS in the Western Isles, even compared to other areas of Scotland, the post doesn't exist. We also meet inspirational teenager Ryan McLaughlin from Glasgow. His mother has MS, and this motivated him to campaign for Scots to get free Vitamin D to help prevent the illness.
Despite their strength in confronting their disease, many sufferers call it the lonely or hidden disease, as well as the Scottish disease. In this moving and inspirational documentary, we chart some of their highs and lows.
Transmitted: Monday 28th February 2011
Time: 21:00
Title: Thar an Aiseig / Ferry Tales
The ferry is an intrinsic part of life in many communities throughout Scotland. From large vessels to small motor boats, the ferries transport people, goods and livestock from islands and peninsulas, providing a crucial connection with mainland Scotland.
Over a year, this series follows the people that run and use Scotland's ferries, often in the most beautiful scenic areas of Scotland. From family run businesses to large corporations, all striving to deliver the best service, despite the daily challenges of weather, timetables and engineering problems. From holiday travellers to commuters and school children, the ferry is vital to people for all sorts of reasons.
In this programme, the ferry plays a vital role in Christmas plans for Kerrera and Dunoon. Skipper Stevie Mowat is at the helm of the newly extended MV Graemsay, and Kirsteen Morrison becomes one of Scotland's few female ferry skippers.
Transmitted: Tuesday 1st March 2011
Time: 20:30
Title: Farpaisean Chon Chaorach / Sheepdog Trials
The second day of the 2010 International Sheepdog Trials, from Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Transmitted: Tuesday 1st March 2011
Time: 21:00
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 2nd March 2011
Time: 20:30
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Hamilton Academical host Dundee United at New Douglas Park.
Transmitted: Saturday 26th February 2011
Time: 17:30
Title: Trusadh: MS
Scotland has the highest prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis of any country in the world, with one in 500 Scots living with this progressive neurological disease.
In this hour long documentary we get a glimpse into the lives of a handful of those individual sufferers.
We find out how they deal with the problems that MS throws up, and meet several who refuse to let the disease beat them – and in particular, Christine Stewart in Stornoway, who is campaigning for a specialist MS nurse to be appointed for the Western Isles.
Despite the high prevalence of MS in the Western Isles, even compared to other areas of Scotland, the post doesn't exist. We also meet inspirational teenager Ryan McLaughlin from Glasgow. His mother has MS, and this motivated him to campaign for Scots to get free Vitamin D to help prevent the illness.
Despite their strength in confronting their disease, many sufferers call it the lonely or hidden disease, as well as the Scottish disease. In this moving and inspirational documentary, we chart some of their highs and lows.
Transmitted: Monday 28th February 2011
Time: 21:00
Title: Thar an Aiseig / Ferry Tales
The ferry is an intrinsic part of life in many communities throughout Scotland. From large vessels to small motor boats, the ferries transport people, goods and livestock from islands and peninsulas, providing a crucial connection with mainland Scotland.
Over a year, this series follows the people that run and use Scotland's ferries, often in the most beautiful scenic areas of Scotland. From family run businesses to large corporations, all striving to deliver the best service, despite the daily challenges of weather, timetables and engineering problems. From holiday travellers to commuters and school children, the ferry is vital to people for all sorts of reasons.
In this programme, the ferry plays a vital role in Christmas plans for Kerrera and Dunoon. Skipper Stevie Mowat is at the helm of the newly extended MV Graemsay, and Kirsteen Morrison becomes one of Scotland's few female ferry skippers.
Transmitted: Tuesday 1st March 2011
Time: 20:30
Title: Farpaisean Chon Chaorach / Sheepdog Trials
The second day of the 2010 International Sheepdog Trials, from Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Transmitted: Tuesday 1st March 2011
Time: 21:00
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 2nd March 2011
Time: 20:30
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 5 March – Friday 11 March 2011
Title: Live Rugby - Ospreys v Glasgow
Live Magners League coverage as Glasgow Warriors travel to face Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.
Transmitted: Saturday 5th March 2011
Time: 17:25
Title: SPL Hearts v Kilmarnock
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Hearts host Kilmarnock at Tynecastle.
Transmitted: Saturday 5th March 2011
Time: 19:30
Title: Piping Live
From the Piping Live music festival, Julie Fowlis presents a special concert – a blend of classical music and the music of piping icon Duncan Johnstone.
Transmitted: Saturday 5th March 2011
Time: 21:30
Title: Trusadh: Reidio Coimhearsnachd / Community Radio
Where do you turn for the most immediate local information? The blocked road, bingo night, missing dog, or even the best deal on carpets? Plus hours of music and entertainment? Your local community radio station!
In Fort William, Nevis Radio's longest serving volunteer presenter is Calum Smith. Every Thursday evening for 16 years, Calum has been offering his own traditional blend of Gaelic songs chosen from a personal collection of over 200 well worn tape cassettes!
On the south side of Glasgow a new community radio voice - Sunny Govan - continues to go from strength to strength. Recent shared recipients of Channel 4's, 'The Secret Millionaire', they champion the underprivileged within their challenging broadcast area.
When launched in 2003, Two Lochs Radio in Gairloch was the smallest station in the UK. Retired school mistress Alice Mackenzie and her husband Roddy have travelled throughout the Gairloch and Loch Ewe area and produced hundreds of hours of programming on local history in Gaelic.
The programme provides a celebration of the local community radio stations and the enthusiastic army of volunteers who give their community a voice - including the local amateur DJs who have become accidental celebrities!
Transmitted: Monday 7th March 2011
Time: 21:00
Title: Thar an Aiseig / Ferry Tales
The ferry is an intrinsic part of life in many communities throughout Scotland. From large vessels to small motor boats, the ferries transport people, goods and livestock from islands and peninsulas, providing a crucial connection with mainland Scotland.
Over a year, this series follows the people that run and use Scotland's ferries. From family run businesses to large corporations, all striving to deliver the best service, despite the daily challenges of weather, timetables and engineering problems. From holiday travellers to commuters and school children, the ferry is vital to people for all sorts of reasons.
In this programme, on the Isle of Kerrera the ferry is on stand-by for the imminent arrival of Sheila MacGregor's baby. Western Ferries "Sound of Scarba" goes into dry dock in Greenock. Ferry passengers head to Shetland the Up Helly Aa festival and the Orkney ferry, the Graemsay, is back to work.
Transmitted: Tuesday 8th March 2011
Time: 20:30
Title: Farpaisean Chon Chaorach / Sheepdog Trials
The Supreme Championship Final 2010 from Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Transmitted: Tuesday 8th March 2011
Time: 21:00
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 9th March 2011
Time: 20:30
Title: Thuige Seo
Missionary and teacher Jessie Boydell in conversation with Donald Morrison about her life.
Transmitted: Thursday 10th March 2011
Time: 20:30
Live Magners League coverage as Glasgow Warriors travel to face Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.
Transmitted: Saturday 5th March 2011
Time: 17:25
Title: SPL Hearts v Kilmarnock
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Hearts host Kilmarnock at Tynecastle.
Transmitted: Saturday 5th March 2011
Time: 19:30
Title: Piping Live
From the Piping Live music festival, Julie Fowlis presents a special concert – a blend of classical music and the music of piping icon Duncan Johnstone.
Transmitted: Saturday 5th March 2011
Time: 21:30
Title: Trusadh: Reidio Coimhearsnachd / Community Radio
Where do you turn for the most immediate local information? The blocked road, bingo night, missing dog, or even the best deal on carpets? Plus hours of music and entertainment? Your local community radio station!
In Fort William, Nevis Radio's longest serving volunteer presenter is Calum Smith. Every Thursday evening for 16 years, Calum has been offering his own traditional blend of Gaelic songs chosen from a personal collection of over 200 well worn tape cassettes!
On the south side of Glasgow a new community radio voice - Sunny Govan - continues to go from strength to strength. Recent shared recipients of Channel 4's, 'The Secret Millionaire', they champion the underprivileged within their challenging broadcast area.
When launched in 2003, Two Lochs Radio in Gairloch was the smallest station in the UK. Retired school mistress Alice Mackenzie and her husband Roddy have travelled throughout the Gairloch and Loch Ewe area and produced hundreds of hours of programming on local history in Gaelic.
The programme provides a celebration of the local community radio stations and the enthusiastic army of volunteers who give their community a voice - including the local amateur DJs who have become accidental celebrities!
Transmitted: Monday 7th March 2011
Time: 21:00
Title: Thar an Aiseig / Ferry Tales
The ferry is an intrinsic part of life in many communities throughout Scotland. From large vessels to small motor boats, the ferries transport people, goods and livestock from islands and peninsulas, providing a crucial connection with mainland Scotland.
Over a year, this series follows the people that run and use Scotland's ferries. From family run businesses to large corporations, all striving to deliver the best service, despite the daily challenges of weather, timetables and engineering problems. From holiday travellers to commuters and school children, the ferry is vital to people for all sorts of reasons.
In this programme, on the Isle of Kerrera the ferry is on stand-by for the imminent arrival of Sheila MacGregor's baby. Western Ferries "Sound of Scarba" goes into dry dock in Greenock. Ferry passengers head to Shetland the Up Helly Aa festival and the Orkney ferry, the Graemsay, is back to work.
Transmitted: Tuesday 8th March 2011
Time: 20:30
Title: Farpaisean Chon Chaorach / Sheepdog Trials
The Supreme Championship Final 2010 from Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Transmitted: Tuesday 8th March 2011
Time: 21:00
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 9th March 2011
Time: 20:30
Title: Thuige Seo
Missionary and teacher Jessie Boydell in conversation with Donald Morrison about her life.
Transmitted: Thursday 10th March 2011
Time: 20:30
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