51AVÊÓÆµ

Scottish Election 2026 - Jim Fairlie: "We cannot rely on Westminster to get it right for rural Scotland"

Ahead of May's election, Jim Fairlie writes on how the SNP has put the interests of farmers and crofters first in its near 20-year term in office, and how the party will back the farming sector in the future if it wins a fifth election

clock • 4 min read
Scotland's Agriculture and Connectivity Minister Jim Fairlie said: "From Brexit to funding cuts, to hikes in National Insurance and changes to Inheritance Tax, our farmers have been hit time and time again by an increasingly distant and out of touch Westminster.  Now more than ever, it is clear that decisions about Scottish agriculture should be taken here in Scotland by people who know and care about our rural communities."
Image:

Scotland's Agriculture and Connectivity Minister Jim Fairlie said: "From Brexit to funding cuts, to hikes in National Insurance and changes to Inheritance Tax, our farmers have been hit time and time again by an increasingly distant and out of touch Westminster.  Now more than ever, it is clear that decisions about Scottish agriculture should be taken here in Scotland by people who know and care about our rural communities."

The SNP cares deeply about our rural communities, farmers, and crofters - when they thrive Scotland thrives. With nearly three decades of experience of representing Highland Perthshire, SNP leader and...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

Warning tariff suspensions could undermine domestic food production

Warning tariff suspensions could undermine domestic food production

NFU Scotland has highlighted the ‘unintended consequences’ for Scottish food producers and long-term food security

Alex Black
clock 27 June 2026 • 2 min read
'Shockingly bad' and 'vague', opposition MPs deliver their verdict on Labour's  Farming Roadmap

'Shockingly bad' and 'vague', opposition MPs deliver their verdict on Labour's Farming Roadmap

Conservative and LibDem rural representatives criticise document saying it will do nothing to support farmers

Jane Thynne
clock 27 June 2026 • 4 min read
Agriculture split over EU reset summit delay caused by Starmer's resignation

Agriculture split over EU reset summit delay caused by Starmer's resignation

Crop group says pause will enable parties to better prepare while meat industry warns further hold-ups will only fuel farmer frustration

Jane Thynne
clock 25 June 2026 • 2 min read