Field is wide open for new ‘tattie roguers’

IT is not the most glamorous of jobs – and a shortage of ‘tattie roguers’ could threaten Scotland’s reputation for growing the finest seed potatoes in the world.

Every summer, the roguers weed out diseased plants, ensuring only the best are harvested.

Only properly trained roguers have the skills and stamina to identify and eliminate infected plants before they leave the ground.

It is back-breaking work and farmers are struggling to find new recruits willing to work gruelling shifts of up to 12 hours, hail, rain or shine – despite pay of £15 an hour.

Andrew Arbuckle, an agricultural writer and ex-farmer, said: ‘Why do buyers from as far afield as Egypt and Vietnam come to this small country? Because seed potatoes grown here are healthier and have less virus disease than almost any other country in the world.

‘A vital part of keeping potato crops up to scratch is removing any that are diseased or are a different variety to the rest of the crop.’

Euan Fraser, senior potato consultant at Scotland’s Rural College, which runs a fiveday roguing course, said: ‘It is a skilled job with real responsibility and ideal for somebody keen on spending the summer out of doors.

‘There is a real opportunity to earn some cash, develop a tan and make friends for life.’

Scotland’s £116million-a-year industry produces 300,000 tons of potatoes a year.