Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch attended an NFUS rally outside the Scottish Parliament on Thursday the 10th of March to highlight the importance of the rural economy to the Scottish Government, which follows recent delays in CAP funding for farmers and crofters.

Mr Thompson said, “I attended the NFUS rally outside the Scottish Parliament alongside Jim Whiteford and Ian Wilson of NFUS Highland and others, in order to highlight the importance of the rural economy to Scotland.

“It is reassuring that farmers and crofters affected by delays to European Union support payments are to receive the money from the Scottish Government, as cash advances while Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) claims are being processed.

“However, it is important to continually hold the Government account, to highlight that, despite any new system underpinning the payments, there are detrimental consequences to farmers and crofters experiencing delays in my constituency.

“As an MSP in an area where farming and crofting is so vital, it is important that I stick up for their interests, which is why it was imperative that I attended the rally at Holyrood and that I keep the matter to the forefront at the RACCE Committee”.