8 minute read
Fergus Ewing MSP Agriculture industry
Agriculture Industry
Throughout this difficult year our people across the agriculture industry have continued to work tirelessly to put food on the table for the people of our nation and they have our heartfelt thanks. As Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Tourism in the Scottish Government we want to provide them with the financial support and certainty that they need to continue their work and support our wider rural economy. We have been the first part of the UK to start getting 2020 monies out to farmers and crofters. Our intention with this strategy is to make payments at the same time or, in some cases, earlier than last year. It is important to note that we set this strategy with confidence that we will meet these timelines but there are some risks to delivery that remain. The ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic remains a challenge as well as the disruptive effect of a disorderly Brexit. With so many unknowns and the potential for a no deal Brexit, the strategy may be at risk if we need to deliver emergency support at short notice. But we will do everything we can to ensure farmers and crofters get their support payments on time. The food and drink industry is one of the true success stories of Scotland’s economy, with exports worth a record £6.7 billion in 2019. Across the country, particularly in many of our rural areas, the sector creates highly paid, highly skilled jobs and contributes directly to the public purse in taxes. It has also been one of the hardest hit by COVID-19. Food and drink businesses have shown remarkable resilience and innovation in responding to the pandemic, from finding new routes to market themselves or in the actions 46 they have taken to support their workforce and keep food on our tables. However, in addition to the many challenges presented by COVID-19, we now need to prepare for the disruption and uncertainty the end of the Brexit transition period will bring in just six weeks’ time. The Scottish Government is providing £5 million to support a food and drink recovery plan to be delivered to allow the industry to work together on fairer, greener and sustainable solutions to the challenges that lie ahead. Scotland is home to much of the world’s greatest produce and we must do all we can to protect and promote it. And we can all play our part. We will all be stocking up on food for the festive period – if you can, please try to support Scottish produce and local suppliers, shops and businesses. We all need to “love local” and rally together as families and communities to get through these tough times. The Scottish Government’s recently refreshed Ready Scotland website (ready.scot) provides a range of information for anyone looking for support during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as advice on preparing for winter weather. It also provides guidance for those who wish to help out those around them, whether on an individual basis or through volunteering with local community groups or charities.
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In any year, winter weather can be a challenge for many of us, and this year it will come while we are already managing the effects that COVID-19 is having on so many aspects of our lives. As we have seen in previous winters, and as we saw so clearly during our lockdown in the spring and in the months since, the strength and kindness of our communities and our desire to look out for our neighbours is one of our greatest resources. These support networks are no less important now than they were in the spring, especially to older, disabled and at risk people, and those who are on their own or feeling lonely. While we can’t visit each other as we might have done in previous years, a phone call or a text can go a long way, and there are a wide range of services standing ready to provide support. I wish all readers a very happy Christmas.
Fergus Ewing MSP
CABINET SECRETARY FOR RURAL ECONOMY AND TOURISM
Unit Q1, Isla Bank Mills, Station Road, Keith, AB55 5DD
Celebrating 31 years in business Advanced Electrics are proud to serve the largest names in the distilling industry. Advanced Electrics offer a design, build and installation service.
• Established in 1986 now employs 26 people locally • Recognised expertise • Reputation of Excellence • CompEx trained technicians for hazardous area installation and inspection • Control panel design and manufacture for various production process controls • Thermal imaging, power analysing and power factor correction surveys, reports and supply Also specialise in break-down, routine maintenance and new plant installations
A Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year to all our customers!
I love receiving all your emails and postcards over the months. I receive many lovely messages and some very interesting postcards.
Once again we have some wonderful prizes available……….
A fabulous meal for 4 is up for grabs courtesy of The Bearded Chef at HQ in Elgin to be enjoyed by the end of March 2021. I’m sure this is going to be very popular.
Sticking with the musicians, Ron Jappy has kindly offered a signed copy of his debut album. This is not to be missed. Win an exclusive to Lifestyle T-shirt. This will be printed with Danny Mortimer’s charity Christmas Song Title It’s Christmas time again (Can you feel the Snow?) Courtesy of Dallas Designs.
Have you read Laura McNally’s Feature on page 42? How do you fancy your own 30 min PT session with Laura? That’s what’s on offer. This can either be delivered ‘at home’ or over zoom* terms and conditions apply.
Finally a £40 voucher from Torta by Katalin to treat someone special or enjoy yourself who can resist these mouth watering fabulous cakes.
Good luck everyone!
COMPETITION CODES
CHEF MEAL
Two course meal for 4 people to be redeemed by the end of March at The Bearded Chef HQ Elgin.
DANNYT
An exclusive to Lifestyle T-Shirt from Danny Mortimer ‘It’s Christmas time again (Can you feel the Snow)’.
VINCULAR
A signed copy of Ron Jappy’s debut album ‘Vincular’.
LAURA PT
30 min personal training session with Laura McNally at your home or by Zoom*.
TORTA
£40 voucher for a beautiful cake or afternoon tea made by the lovely Katalin of Torta by Katalin based in Kinloss.
Email competitions@lifestylemoray.scot with your name, address and contact number or send a postcard to: Lifestyle Magazine, 5 Green Lane, Newmill, Keith AB55 6NX - Remember your competition codes and please send multiple entries on one card.
Terms & conditions: All Lifestyle competition prizes are kindly donated by Lifestyle advertisers. There is no entry fee, one e-mail or postcard with the relevant codes is all that is necessary. Winners are chosen at random by a computer generated programme. There is no cash alternative available. Names of winners will be published in the following issue.
Congratulations to our Oct/Nov winners. We receive hundreds of responses and love your letters and emails... Keep ‘em coming. Who knows... It could be you next time. 48 Kilt Pin Genealogy Kit Bespoke Face Mask Glen Grant Arboralis Ceamara Photo Shoot Elgin Ghost Tour Helen Barton Bill Steele Steph Timmis Moira Legge Maggie Milne Michelle Myron Grantown on Spey Grantown on Spey Elgin Cullen Buckie Dufftown
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Call Matthew or Elaine on 01343 542358 to arrange a visit to the showroom.
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25 Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin, Moray - Tel: 01343 542777
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