A newly established social group for retired and semi-retired farmers in Ayrshire is off to a flying start.

Around 35 turned out when the ‘Still Ploughing On’ group held its inaugural meeting at Morriston Farm, Maidens, in South Ayrshire, hosted by Lord David Kennedy who gave the group an insight into his farming operation, his modern-day farm machinery and his collection of vintage and classic cars and motorcycles before lunch at Kirkoswald Church Hall.

Organised by NFU Scotland, Rev Chris Blackshaw of Ayr Farming Support and the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI), the plan is to encourage retired and semi-retired farmers to meet up every quarter for a social get together, with the next meeting already being planned for the summer.

Christine Cuthbertson, regional manager in Ayrshire for NFU Scotland, said: “We are delighted that people wanted to come along today to be part of this group. We wanted to do something for the retired and semi-retired farmers and they seem to have really enjoyed themselves so it has been a great success.”