Future of hill farming up for discussion

The future of farming and crofting in the hills and mountains is up for discussion at a special event next week.

The event, which has been organised jointly by the Lochaber Monitor Farm management group and NFU Scotland, takes place at the Moorings Hotel, Banvie, near Fort William, on Friday.

The line-up of speakers includes Donald Cameron MSP, Laurent Vernet from Quality Meat Scotland, Claudia Rose from Scottish Natural Heritage, and Jonnie Hall from NFU Scotland.

“The meeting aims to provide a strategic overview of how land in Scotland’s hills and mountains will be used in the future and to hear from a range of different viewpoints,” said John Macaulay, a local farmer and chairman of the Lochaber Monitor Farm management group.

“A key focus will be identifying the public benefits delivered by active hill and mountain farming and crofting, and helping farmers and crofters explore the future of farming in this areas.”

NFU Scotland’s Argyll and the islands regional chairman, John Dickson, said: “We are hoping for a strong turnout at this event which will also aim to identify what, and how, future policies and support mechanisms can underpin a viable hill and mountain farming and crofting sector.”

The event, which is free to attend, starts at 10.45am.

Those wishing to attend are asked to book their place by contacting SAC Consulting in Oban on 01631 563093.