World’s Most Capable All-Electric 4x4

Munro Vehicles, a manufacturer of all-electric 4x4s and Scotland’s only volume production car company, will gave its first vehicle, the Munro MK 1, its public debut at the Low Carbon Agriculture 2023 show at NAEC Stoneleigh

The Munro MK 1 combines a state-of-the-art 280kW electric powertrain with a proven, robust, simple-to-maintain mechanical driveline Ultra-utilitarian and explicitly user-focussed in nature, the Munro is engineered to provide a unique solution for those wishing to minimize their environmental footprint without compromising off-road ability, performance and practicality

“Meeting the demanding needs of the agriculture sector was foremost in our minds when we were developing the Munro MK 1,” explains Munro CEO Russell Peterson, who co-founded the company with Head of Powertrain Ross Anderson in 2019

“Spending much of my formative years on a farm and then running my own agricultural contracting company, I know only too well how important it is to have proper, proven kit that you can rely on whatever the weather and the conditions, and that won’t let you down no matter how much abuse you throw at it And every Munro is engineered around those enduring values ”

Priced from £49 995 with deliveries due to commence later this year, the appeal of the Munro MK 1 extends far beyond field and farmyard Offering an optimum range of up 190 miles and the flexibility to operate off-road for up to 16 hours on a single battery charge, the Munro’s unique attributes are equally suitable for those working in challenging sectors such as construction, mining, environmental, emergency rescue, remote infrastructure maintenance, in addition to recreation.

Munro takes an equally innovative and disruptive approach to the marketing and maintenance of its products The company will select a global series of agents and will recognise the customers’ right to repair and maintain their vehicle without invalidating its full five-year / 100 000 mile warranty

The company has already established a partnership with Marc Monsarrat, director of Oxfordshire-based Off-Road Electric, which specialises in supplying fully electric utility vehicles to working farmers, landowners and institutions in the UK

Monsarrat, who will join the team at Low Carbon Agriculture 2023, commented: “Until now, there has not been a solution for farmers wishing to decarbonise their work fleet with a new electric 4x4 vehicle Munro changes all that. With the ability to transport a crew of five over all terrains, operate for up to 16 hours on a single battery charge and provide a 3500kg towing capacity, this is a highly durable vehicle engineered to offer real workhorse capability, day after day, decade after decade, without any tailpipe emissions ”

In considering how it could do more to support its customers Virgin Money's client-facing Scottish agricultural banking team successfully complete RSABI's ground-breaking Mental Health First Aid training.

All of Virgin Money's client-facing agricultural banking team have successfully completed RSABI's first aid mental health training and each has gained a certification in the SCQF Level 5 Award in First Aid for Mental Health In doing so, every member of this specialist team now better understands what to look out for when they are talking to their farming customers and how they can adapt their approach

Farming has always been one of the more isolated occupations Today, as pressures on farmers reach new levels, Stephen Buchan, Virgin Money's Head of Agriculture in Scotland, believes that the bank has a key role to play within the farming and rural community.

"Good mental health is just as important to a farmer as physical health, and as professionals working within the agricultural sector it's incumbent on us to have a greater understanding of mental health and wellbeing Better awareness and understanding drives better conversations, particularly when we are seeing subtle changes in behaviour, and it allows us to improve engagement with other representative organisations that support our industry When your mental health is good you make better decisions, you're more productive, more positive and better able to solve problems. Life is better for you and your family.

"We are lucky to work with farmers every day and it's important our team is well-prepared to support them That's why we have committed to provide first aid mental health training for all our customer-facing agricultural banking team."

Currently, everything seems to be conspiring to pile more pressure on farmers in the UK. For some time now farming has been changing in ways that increase the isolation, particularly of smaller farmers who now work very much alone Mechanisation and pressures on profitability have reduced employment on farms, while Covid dramatically restricted what social contact farmers could enjoy and has driven much social and business contact online Now the current changes in Government focus and financial support are clouding the future of farming in uncertainty

The training was delivered in the new partnership between RSABI, the charity which supports people in Scottish agriculture and IED Training Solutions Ltd, an award-winning consultancy founded by former Royal Marines.

RSABI's ground-breaking Mental Health First Aid training is aimed at encouraging people to talk more freely about mental health, reducing stigma and improving understanding about what to look out for and how to respond when someone may be struggling

"We are delighted to be working with the Virgin Money agriculture team on this important training initiative," said Carol McLaren, RSABI Chief Executive

"It comes at a time when there are some really encouraging green shoots of change as farmers and others working in agriculture become more open about talking about mental health and the steps needed to maintain and improve it. We would encourage anyone who is struggling not to hesitate to reach out for help and our confidential, freephone

Helpline, 0808 1234 555, is now open 24/7 every day of the year "

In its latest annual Mind Your Head campaign, the Farm Safety Foundation reports research showing that "levels of mental health in farming are deteriorating," and highlights the Office of National Statistics figures of 36 farming suicides last year

Most self-sufficient farmers in that age group are reluctant to accept that this raft of increasing pressure could affect their mental well-being Farmers will complain about the cost of fertiliser or lamb prices until the cows come home, but talking about anxiety or depression still carries the stigma of weakness

But younger farmers may be leading the way in recognising and dealing with the problem The Farm Safety Foundation refers to a survey of more than 900 farmers that found 94% of the UK's young farmers believe mental health is one of the greatest and most hidden, challenges facing the industry –a figure that has risen from 84% in 2019

Continuing Stephen said: "Accepting that they need help is still a huge barrier for older farmers We need everyone who serves this industry to better understand the signs and be able to signpost people to the organisations who can support them properly

"Our mission as a bank is to help our farming clients continue to develop sustainable, successful businesses Over the years we have developed long term relationships with hundreds of farming families, and as members of the farming community ourselves, we feel we can and should play a part in tackling this fundamental problem for the sake of the farmers and their families and for the future of the industry "

Four new superheroes, "Awesome Oats", "Brilliant Barley", "Wicked Wheat" and "Omazing Oil Seed Rape", will be embarking on a sustainable healthy eating campaign during the 2023 school summer term.

Have you ever wondered how these super seeds, the staple of our diet, are grown in Scotland, and incorporated into so many of our everyday foods? Join the Snack Attack challenge to find out

Rural education charities, The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) and Royal Northern Countryside Initiative (RNCI) have been working to create a super powered journey of discovery of our sustainable Scottish seeds and grains As part of the year-long spotlight on arable crops, RHET have produced a number of focused teaching resources for all age levels, linked to the Curriculum Journey of Food – Seeds and Grains is now entering the final few months of the project and with the summer approaching, why not have some fun with our Super Heroes!?

"Food production in Scotland is as wide and varied as our landscape" explains Katrina

Barclay RHET Executive Officer "Our 'Journey of