Ex-NFUS president gets behind Lib Dems

A former NFU Scotland president has sent an open letter to farmers and crofters urging them to vote for the Liberal Democrats ahead of the general election on Thursday.

Nigel Miller, who served as president at the union between 2011 and 2015, has put his weight behind the party.

In his letter Mr Miller said the agricultural community is facing a period of extraordinary change and uncertainty.

“With Westminster politics focused on a hard Brexit and the Scottish Government driven by the independence agenda it is vital that our representatives will not be hijacked by these political headlines but fight for the rural economy and farming; that new MPs will hold the developing negotiation up to scrutiny,” said Mr Miller.

“With politics in Westminster and Holyrood operating on different tracks there is a need for a bridge across that divide if change is to roll out in a positive way.

“The Liberal Democrats can be that vital constructive opposition.

“The Liberal Democrats will fight for the future of farming and crofting, and can provide that crucial bridge between UK and Scottish politics.”

Meanwhile, the former chief executive of ANM Group, Brian Pack, has backed former First Minister and SNP candidate for Gordon, Alex Salmond.

Mr Pack, who authored two major reports on agriculture for the Scottish Government, said: “Alex has been a powerful and strong advocate for the rural industries of Scotland. As First Minister and as an MP he has served this area well.

“In the next few years, with so much affecting Scottish agriculture at stake in these Brexit negotiations, Scotland is going to need Alex’s voice more than ever.”

Nigel Miller addressed an open letter to the industry.