RACHAEL HAMILTON MSP has been appointed as the new shadow cabinet secretary for rural economy and tourism for the Scottish Conservative party.

The shadow cabinet reshuffle was announced on Tuesday by the newly appointed leader Jackson Carlaw MSP, who replaced Ruth Davidson MSP as interim leader when she stepped down last year, and was officially voted in as the new leader last week.

Ms Hamilton commented on her new position: “As a farmer’s daughter, with many years’ experience as an agronomist and running a small hotel, agriculture and tourism is in my blood.

“I know first-hand the hours and hard work farmers put in, and they rightly should be rewarded for their efforts as the custodians of the countryside," she continued.

“Day to day in my constituency, and across Scotland, I have seen how the SNP continually let down our farmers. Rural crime, poor broadband and a lack of farm grants all exacerbate the problems of rural Scotland," she claimed.

“With the many opportunities that lie ahead of us, we need a Government that is embracing the positive changes in farming, one that is willing to invest in increasing efficiency, driving up productivity and helping farmers promote environmentalism. The Scottish Conservatives will offer that."

Former NFUS vice president Peter Chapman has been removed from the Tories rural economy portfolio, but will remain on the rural economy committee and involved in the sector up until his retirement from Holyrood in next year’s election.

He told The SF that it is time for him to slow down and take a step back: “I have decided not to stand again at the next election in 2021 and it is important that Jackson has the right team in place that can carry on the fight in the next election and longer-term. I will carry on speaking up on farming issues and will be support Rachael in her new role. She is extremely able and will be a great spokesperson for the sector, with the added bonus of a background in agriculture."

“Rachael runs a successful hotel business in the borders and is well versed in the importance of tourism in the wider rural economy,” he added. “So many farmers have diversified their businesses in recent times with an increasing number of B&B’s and farm shops etc. Work within this area will no doubt become increasingly important and she is the right person to lead the sector forward."