ARGYLL’S farmers and crofters will have the opportunity to obtain advice on farm security and fire safety at Oban’s Christmas calf sale next month.

Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will have a stand at Oban Mart, along with representation from NFU Scotland, on Tuesday December 6.

Over the last 12 months, the union has organised several farm security and fire safety events across the country to assist members in taking measures to protect their properties. Argyll and Islands regional chairman John Dickson said: “Although we are fortunate not to have high rural crime rates in Argyll, we cannot afford to be complacent. Farmers and crofters should be aware of simple, preventative and cost-effective measures that they can put in place to protect their property from fire and theft.

“With farms and crofts often in more remote locations, they are more susceptible and vulnerable, and it’s even more important that farmers and crofters take time to review what they have in place and look to make improvements.”

Chief Inspector Marlene Baillie added: “We take rural crime very seriously and have officers patrolling rural areas as part of our day to day operational policing to provide reassurance to local communities and deter offenders. We hope by coming together with our partners to share information and educate local people on the dangers of rural crime, that we can tackle this problem head on and reduce its impact on our communities.

“If you have any information or concerns about rural crime in your community please contact your local police station on 101.”