SIR, – To all readers: I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to every one of you whom made the effort to attend the Assurance Scheme Discussion Event in Lochter, Oldmeldrum, last Thursday.

It was noted that many of you travelled from quite a distance, at what is a busy time of year for all. I am also indebted to those who phoned me directly, sent emails, texts and Whats App messages and letters to express your views about the future direction of farm assurance. Special thanks to all at Lochter for providing excellent facilities for the discussion and to Archie Gibson, from Agrico, for helping me chair and manage the discussions.

Lastly, thank you to the Press, without whom, we would not be able to keep up the conversation and momentum in a most public and helpful manner. There will be a survey/questionnaire to help gather ideas for moving forward.

I do hope that this is just the start of change and would encourage other regions across Scotland to create similar forums for debate and discussion. We must not let this opportunity pass and it is our chance to recreate assurance schemes which are for quality assurance purposes, and not for quality 'control', as it appears to be heading in that direction.

Patrick Sleigh, West Fingask, Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire.