The Cairngorm farmers are to be commended for their actions in bringing their plight to national attention. The grassroots action was led by local farmers and crofters who are facing a burgeoning beaver population being forced upon them with little consultation or a well-thought-out plan.

Being part of a National Park sounds like a great idea to those living in cities more than a hundred miles away, but for food producers within its boundaries, it is a different story. The drive for tourism and conservation will work wonders if farmers have diversified into bed and breakfasts or campsites, but for those trying to feed the nation, the question has to be asked: Are National Parks a help or a hindrance?

Tight planning restrictions within the park restrict business options for farmers; however, a few miles down the road, thousands of tons of draff can be diverted into drying plants for green plaudits with far less scrutiny. In doing so, the beef cattle of Morayshire get pushed ever closer to the wall.

Far too often, farmers are put to the bottom of the pile with the excuse that public subsidies keep the countryside sweet. Sorry, the rural budget has been flat for decades, inflation has been cutting deep into its buying power and now our own government is swiping millions on an annual basis.

Credit has to be given to the Cabinet Secretary who found £15m of Scottish government money to start returning the cash. But as anyone who has borrowed money before knows, the lender likes to see a detailed payment plan, not just promises.

Outgoing NFU president Minette Batters reminded dairy farmers this week that no other G20 government is actively trying to reduce food production other than Westminster. This is an important point we all need to shout about in an election year.

Again German farmers brought the real capital of Europe to a halt as they blockaded Berlin. Listening to the impassioned speeches from the streets shows that their fight is our fight if we want to secure the sector for the next generation. Why can’t family farms have an optimistic future?

There has also been an Irish farmers’ political party registered, which demonstrates the frustration and vulnerability felt on the usually pro-farming island. Further afield, Romanian farmers are taking their tractors on rallies to champion their cause.

So there we have it, the moment is right to break any cosy relationships with the government, demand fairness for farmers, and remind the public who puts the food on their plate. It is unlikely national farmer organisations will drive this change, so take inspiration from Grantown.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to start your engines.