As we start another new year, one never quite knows what to expect around the corner. On early morning rounds after a storm, I was confronted by an empty field. The sheep were here yesterday?

All sorts of worries come into your head. I found a large limb had been blown onto my electric fence and evidence showed my sheep had escaped over the newly flattened exit. This was bad enough, but of major concern, was my proximity to the dual carriageway.

A terrifying time of searching and then coaxing the escapees away from thundering traffic I realised how vulnerable we are to the rest of the population. Fortunately, I have friends on the ground who watch out for me, their frantic phone messages went unanswered as my mobile was innocently charging back at home.

All told we got them back and a chainsaw fixed the problem. I repeated this story to some NSA members and they said “Don’t worry we all have days like that sometimes.”

This reassurance made me feel good to be a member of the NSA. I feel lucky and privileged to be part of an organisation where they have our backs and are highly respected in government circles. The NSA is an advocate for the sheep industry and I feel we try our best for sheep farmers not only in Scotland but across the UK.

It has given me the opportunity to speak directly with the First Minister and cabinet secretary on separate occasions highlighting the many problems facing us, pointing out the importance of keeping sheep and cattle in the hills, islands, and glens not only essential for biodiversity but also for keeping the social fabric of remote rural communities together, not to forget producing the food on our plates.

Recently we were co-signatories to a letter to the First Minister making him aware of the difficulties caused by white-tailed eagles and the severe predation they have caused to sheep farmers in the west. Another example of the work the NSA does is being a partner of the Food and Agriculture Stakeholders Taskforce (FAST) whereby round table discussions are held with Government officials and many others regarding the new Ag Bill.

It cannot be underestimated the vital input of practical farmers to ensure future policy is going to work. The NSA has an important informative role and members have access to the resources of the wonderful Moredun livestock diseases and research facility where great strides have been made over their 100 years for a healthier national flock.

Added to that, the NSA Next Generation Programme where young people are given great opportunities to learn and hone their shepherding skills from the very best in the business is kicking off for another intake of ambassadors.

We in Scotland have had a successful year despite the fluctuating weather. Our stand at the Royal Highland Show covered its ever-increasing costs this year but proved to be a challenge in years ahead. We held a first-time post-mortem day at Glasgow Vet School where common sheep ailments were explored and discussed and certainly gave interesting discussion points.

An NSA Scotland Field Day was also held in the autumn in the Highland region by the kind permission of the Scott Family, Fearn, and proved popular among attendees. Rounding off we held our now established Lamb for St Andrew’s Day dinner in the Borders, alongside the wider national campaign to get lamb into schools.

Next year we head to Aikengall Farm, East Lothian with the kind permission of the Hamilton Family and look forward to another successful NSA Scotsheep 2024 in early June. We are eternally grateful to our supporters and sponsors throughout the year who will no doubt be gearing up for the event and another fantastic showcase of the Scottish sheep industry.

In closing, if your mobile is resting on the charge at home, pick it up and take a look at the NSA messages. As for sheep farmers, we will always have your backs when the thundering traffic of the rest of the population certainly does not, you never know what’s around the corner.