STRANRAER'S annual agricultural show provided the backdrop on Wednesday (July 31) for the first meeting between NFU Scotland and Alister Jack MP, since his appointment to cabinet as Secretary of State for Scotland.

NFU Scotland vice president Martin Kennedy and milk committee vice chairman Gary Mitchell, who farms at Stranraer, used the meeting to informally raise a wide range of issues with Mr Jack including the dangers of a ‘no deal’ to Scottish food and farming; the current challenges to our iconic red meat sector; future support arrangements for the industry; and access to labour and animal transport.

NFU Scotland will meet with Mr Jack to discuss these issues more formally in the coming weeks