NFU Scotland’s Poultry Working Group is getting behind the Pick-ups For Peace initiative, where farmers and the farming industry have been supporting the war effort in Ukraine.

The working group were inspired by recent press articles highlighting the generous donations and delivery of more than 100 pick-ups and 4wd vehicles, along with important equipment and medical supplies, to those fighting on the frontline in Ukraine. It now wants all of its members to back the project.

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Group member Matthew Steel, from Craignathro Farms, in Angus, and a free range egg producer has already made two deliveries to Ukraine, inspiring the group and its chair, Robert Thompson, to urge the poultry sector to get behind and support Pick-ups For Peace.

Mr Thompson said: “Our industry has and will have more difficult times, but we also have our good times as well. But the plight faced by Ukraine and its people puts everything into perspective.

“At our working group meeting last week, Matthew gave an invaluable insight into the strife in Ukraine and how he personally has supported the initiative to get vehicles and equipment to the frontline. That led to the whole working group agreeing to raise awareness and collectively urging the whole poultry sector to help where they can.

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“The need for four-wheel-drive vehicles is great but tools, spare parts and motoring accessories are also needed. I ask those within the poultry industry to think what you can do. Even a small donation to the initiative’s JustGiving page would help make a difference.”

This week, a group of former Scotland rugby players, led by flying winger Ivan Tukalo, have also got behind the scheme. He has family in Ukraine and is rounding up former team-mates to help deliver the vehicles to help the supply chain in there.