Mairi Gougeon

"She (Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon) must allow us to have a say whether we have a National Park or not"

New UK group will oversee multi-million planting and peatland restoration schemes

"Scottish farmers and crofters deserved a Budget that recognised their indispensable role in Scotland’s rural and national prosperity"

"This Budget fails to deliver the funds for farmers and the whole of rural Scotland"

"For generations, farming families have served to grow food for us all. They are a service to their country and they are custodians of the countryside"

In a letter to Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon, NFUS president Martin Kennedy highlighted that NatureScot's established position in favour of a Galloway National Park calls into question its ability to conduct a public consultation in an ‘impartial manner'

“Securing a significant uplift in the rural budget is crucial to the wellbeing of our industry"

Farmers urged to be prepared for support changes

NFU Scotland said existing parks have failed to make a positive contribution for farming and rural communities

Kate is a fifth-generation farmer running the 750-hectare (1,853-acre) Hundleshope Farm on the Haystoun Estate, Peebles, where the family have been tenants for 150 years. She runs the hill unit with her husband Ed and their four children. She is also a vet and chair of Quality Meat Scotland