A NEWLY established social group for retired and semi-retired farmers in Ayrshire got off to a flying start when around 35 folk turned out for its inaugural meeting.

Hosted by Lord David Kennedy at Morriston Farm, Maidens in South Ayrshire, the ‘Still Ploughing On’ group were given an insight into Lord David's 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, the plan now is to encourage retired and semi-retired farmers to meet up every quarter for a social together, with the next meeting already being planned for the summer.

Union regional manager Christine Cuthbertson 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.”