Climate change experts

Specialists on climate change from across the UK will descend on Freuchie next weekend to discuss the effects of drought on farming.

Experts will gather at the Lomond Hills Hotel to share their thoughts on how the agricultural sector can influence issues relating to drier weather.

Dr Andrew Black, senior lecturer at Dundee University, said: “Many people in Scotland think flooding is more of a problem than drought.

“However, the amount of water in river catchments depends not only on the climate, but also on future population growth, agricultural practices, and other uses of water, for example, golf course irrigation.

“We want to know about local people’s perspectives.

“Scientific predictions can be made using the latest theories but when we’re talking about the environment, local people often hold vital knowledge which can have great value in helping farmers, resource managers, scientists and others to plan for the future.”

The event will include a talk by Dr Ivan Grove, a crop scientist from Harper Adams University, who will report on the effects of drought.

The event takes place on Saturday January 20 from 9.30am, with places to be booked via the university website.