BORIS JOHNSON’S convergence cash announcement ‘is frankly the bare minimum, and it's not enough to mitigate the threat of a no-deal Brexit’ – those were the words of cabinet secretary Fergus Ewing, responding to the news that Scottish farmers will finally see the £160m that is owed to them, if he takes office at the end of the month.

Although the news has been welcomed by the agricultural community, Mr Ewing stressed that it doesn’t make up for the damage which has been done in its absence.

He has made it clear that whoever takes on the role of Prime Minister must fulfil this promise to the Scottish farming community and not use it as an excuse to push for a ‘power grab’ over farming powers in Scotland.

"This is a victory for the SNP - we've fought tooth and nail for the last six years, in order for this historic wrong to be righted,” stated Mr Ewing. “This is Scotland's money, and we are only being promised what we are due. But we cannot afford to rest until we see the colour of their money – I will press whoever becomes the next Prime Minister to fulfil this pledge urgently.

"This announcement is frankly the bare minimum, and it's not enough to mitigate the threat of a no-deal Brexit, which is causing massive uncertainty for farmers and crofters across Scotland,” he continued. “We are hearing of real problems for beef farmers with prices plummeting and sheep farmers anxious about the impact of tariffs.

"We need cast-iron guarantees that Scotland will see all the additional money we are due, along with need real commitments over future support,” he urged. “On top of that, the Tories must rule out altogether their attempted power grab over farming powers that should rightfully be exercised at Holyrood."