WORK IS still ongoing to to find a solution to Scotland's 'biofuel situation' – and to the pressing problem of the huge volume of dubious red diesel now taking up space in farm tanks all over the country.

NFU Scotland has now taken more than 400 calls from individuals who have experienced fuel issues with their tractors and agricultural vehicles.

Such reports were described as 'invaluable' to the union staff pursuing the issue, as they provided an evidence base for the continued lobbying being conducted.

In particular, NFUS has been in close contact with Petroineos, the only crude oil refinery in Scotland, as well as stepping up its engagement with Transport Scotland and the Department for Transport. Having already secured Petroineos' agreement to reduce biofuel content in red diesel as a short-term solution, the union is now seeking the creation of an expert working group to put long-term measures in place to prevent this issue from reoccurring.

However, an immediate priority to address is the remainder of fuel associated with machinery breakdowns that is now in storage on farms. NFUS said it was working hard to get a commitment from stakeholders to support farmers in the recovery of this fuel.

In the meantime, all those affected are being advised to contact the union with their issues and to keep all receipts for both fuel and for related mechanical work, repairs and replacements. If members would like to play a more active part in the lobbying process, then the union is encouraging them to write to their constituency MSP on this issue using its pro forma letter.

President Andrew McCornick said: “The union is continuing to dedicate substantial time and resource to this problem.

“The actions taken by Petroineos last week were welcomed, but our farmers are now left with problematic fuel they may not be able to use which is stored on farm. In some cases, farmers will have taken delivery of enough fuel to last all winter.

“We are looking at potential solutions to assisting with this and hope to have more information on this shortly. In the meantime, I would ask members to help NFUS in its efforts by making contact with their constituency MSPs to highlight what we are seeking and ask them to apply additional pressure.”

• Those affected by fuel issues who wish to write to their MSPs can access a copy of NFU Scotland’s pro forma letter at: https://www.nfus.org.uk/userfiles/images/News%20Release/1219%20-%20NFUS%20member%20letter%20to%20MSPs%20re%20fuel%20issues%20GC%20ZM%20edit.pdf