NFU Scotland has highlighted the long-term impact of the recent rainfall on Scotlands' farming industry.

The extreme rainfall across much of Scotland on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday has left many of Scotland’s farmers and crofters having to assess the scale of damage and the impact on their businesses.

In Highland Perthshire, amongst one of the areas worst affected, NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy met with his local MSP John Swinney this week, to discuss the impact.

Mr Kennedy was joined by other local farmers, including Liam Stewart from Stewarts of Tayside, a significant grower of root vegetables and soft fruit, and Douglas Neill, from Denhead Farms, Coupar Angus.

Mr Kennedy said: “The level of flooding seen in some parts of Scotland was exceptional.

“NFU Scotland is using its network of regional managers, group secretaries, and local offices to monitor and report on the situation. Reports and social media coverage of the extensive flooding, landslips and road closures, significant areas of grassland, arable ground, and high-value crops such as potatoes, broccoli, and turnips under water and the loss of fodder and bedding to flooding are clear indicators of the unprecedented scale of damage in some parts. We will use the coming days to coordinate a more accurate picture of the situation.

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“I thank local MSP, John Swinney for meeting me on Tayside this morning along with fellow farmers to discuss the scale of the damage.

“What this event clearly demonstrates is that, when it comes to risk, it is the farming industry that is left carrying the can. While some losses may be insurable, many will not, and it is likely that farmers will be left with a bill for millions when the mop-up is finally completed.

“I ask the Scottish Government to consider what short-term support it can offer to help the recovery process. In the long term, a realistic margin from the supply chain that builds enough buffer to absorb this type of hit is essential. It cannot be absorbed by businesses on the current price structures.

“For farming and crofting families, we welcome the early involvement of Scotland’s rural charity RSABI to assist any farmer or crofter who is really struggling as a result of the exceptional rain and flooding and the help available 24/7 via its Helpline 0808 1234 555 or live web chat via www.rsabi.org.uk . We also support RSABI’s call for farmers and crofters to reach out and check in with friends and family at this time.”