Seasonal workers’ schemes called for

Ruth Davidson has called for a seasonal workers’ scheme to be created to continue attracting labour to Scotland from the European Union post-brexit as she described the split as an opportunity for the agriculture industry.

The Scottish Conservative leader told farmers she was “pressing the case” on the need to respect Scotland’s distinct needs after Brexit during an address at the Royal Highland Show.

Ms Davidson called for Scotland to retain its share of funding when the UK leaves the common agricultural policy and for the Scottish and UK governments to focus on policies that help farmers, including access to EU labour.

She said: “[We need] policies like an immigration system that delivers a seasonal workers’ scheme so we can still access labour from the EU and beyond by reducing bureaucracy.”