Scottish Election 2026 - Jim Fairlie: "We cannot rely on Westminster to get it right for rural Scotland"

Ahead of May's election, Jim Fairlie writes on how the SNP has put the interests of farmers and crofters first in its near 20-year term in office, and how the party will back the farming sector in the future if it wins a fifth election

clock • 4 min read
Scotland's Agriculture and Connectivity Minister Jim Fairlie said: "From Brexit to funding cuts, to hikes in National Insurance and changes to Inheritance Tax, our farmers have been hit time and time again by an increasingly distant and out of touch Westminster.  Now more than ever, it is clear that decisions about Scottish agriculture should be taken here in Scotland by people who know and care about our rural communities."
Image:

Scotland's Agriculture and Connectivity Minister Jim Fairlie said: "From Brexit to funding cuts, to hikes in National Insurance and changes to Inheritance Tax, our farmers have been hit time and time again by an increasingly distant and out of touch Westminster.  Now more than ever, it is clear that decisions about Scottish agriculture should be taken here in Scotland by people who know and care about our rural communities."

The SNP cares deeply about our rural communities, farmers, and crofters - when they thrive Scotland thrives. With nearly three decades of experience of representing Highland Perthshire, SNP leader and...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Politics

Five things the UK Government could do to stabilise farm input costs

Five things the UK Government could do to stabilise farm input costs

The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) has set out five actions in response to the escalating cost pressures facing farm businesses

Alex Black
clock 17 April 2026 • 2 min read
'Price controls always hit farmers first' - industry warns of impact of proposed Scottish food price caps

'Price controls always hit farmers first' - industry warns of impact of proposed Scottish food price caps

SNP leader John Swinney has been criticised after proposing a statutory limit on the price of some food items

Alex Black
clock 17 April 2026 • 2 min read
OPINION - Iran war: UK is not prepared for food shortages

OPINION - Iran war: UK is not prepared for food shortages

At a time when UK farmers are facing increasing pressure from a conflict taking place thousands of miles from British shores, the Government has been challenged to step up and support food producers before it is too late

Chris Brayford
clock 17 April 2026 • 2 min read