Viable farms will survive

Sir, - The suggestion of a “crisis” within Scottish farming, as some nonsecure tenancies reach a conclusion, is misleading (May 18).

It is right that when a contractual arrangement is nearing its conclusion, or where a resumption clause may be exercised, that both parties should discuss the future.

There is indeed guidance in place from the interim tenant farming commissioner to facilitate this with regards to limited partnerships.

There are a number of limited partnerships that are coming to an end.

In some cases, estates have offered to sell the farm to the tenants or convert to a modern letting vehicle like an LDT. There are also discussions involving the landlord farming the land themselves, letting it to another tenant or using it for another purpose.

We would contend the real issue that the Scottish Tenant Farmers’ Association (STFA) has is not with trees but with fixed-term tenancies coming to an end.

In seeking to rekindle the trees versus tenants debate, the STFA wishes to misrepresent the reality to create a negative perception of fixed-term tenancy agreements.

In our experience, where farms are still viable, they will continue to be farmed. Landlords and tenants both want a strong agricultural sector. However, where a fixed-term tenancy is nearing a conclusion, it is the right of both parties to consider their options. David Johnstone. Scottish Land and Estates, Eskmills Business Park, Musselburgh.

Mr Robertson talks of the importance of an SNP Scottish majority meaning Theresa May must abide by his leader’s ceaseless second referendum demands