A NATIONAL Council of Rural Advisers has been created to provide advice on the potential implications of Scotland leaving the EU as part of the UK, and make recommendations on future rural policy and agricultural support.

Announced at the Royal Highland Show by Rural Secretary Fergus Ewing, the remit of the National Council will cover all aspects of future rural development, including appropriate financial support beyond 2022.

Mr Ewing said: “I want to drive the rural economy forward and that is why I am announcing the establishment of a National Council, bringing together key experts, including the agriculture champions, to look at the future of the sector and provide me with recommendations early next year.

“While it will be for the National Council to set up work stream groups as needed to focus on specific issues, I would anticipate themes such as affordability, sustainability, productivity, inclusion and innovation – and of course the wider implications of the UK’s decision to leave the EU – to feature prominently," said Mr Ewing.

“I am confident the National Council can become an engine of expertise that helps to set a strategic framework for future policy development and I look forward to working with all parties towards our shared goal of creating a sustainable rural economy.”

Mr Crerar is a founding partner and chairman of Scottish commercial law firm Harper Macleod LLP and was appointed chair of HIE in 2012.

Ms Milne is a self-employed consultant, currently representing the Scottish Tenant Farmers Association on matters relating to agricultural policy, and was employed for eight years with the National Farmers Union of Scotland in various roles, promoting the interests of the national industry.