Rural and Environment

  • Chieftain o’ the pudding-race

    24th January 2019 by

    Crispy or fried, as a burger or in a pastry, haggis can take as many different forms as its homeland’s weather. To help you celebrate this Burns Night, Scotland’s national chef Gary Maclean has shared some of his favourite ways to cook one of Scotland’s most famous exports. Crispy fried haggis with red onion chutney,...

    Read more

  • Weekly round-up: 18/01/19

    18th January 2019 by

    Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing met with NFUS to reiterate his ‘absolute commitment’ to maintain LFASS funding at least at 80% in 2020 and to explore ways to potentially maintain the real level of support at c.100% for the next 2 scheme years. Fergus Ewing and Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon met DEFRA reps in...

    Read more

  • In the news: EAT-Lancet Report

    17th January 2019 by

    As you may have seen in the news (BBC, Guardian) today, the EAT-Lancet Commission has published a report, which looks at addressing the need to feed a growing global population a healthy diet, while also defining sustainable food systems that will minimise damage to our planet. The report describes a universal healthy diet, based on...

    Read more

  • Weekly round-up: 11/01/19

    11th January 2019 by

    Addressing animal welfare issues this week at Parliament, Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon announced that CCTV will now become a legal requirement in slaughterhouses across Scotland. Read more Hill farmers and crofters in Scotland’s most remote areas will continue to receive assistance under the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) into 2020, Rural Economy Secretary...

    Read more

  • In the news: Japanese market opens for British beef and lamb

    10th January 2019 by

    You may have seen in the news today that Japan has signed an agreement to lift its ban on imports of British beef and lamb. The ban, which has been in place since 1996, has been removed with immediate effect. Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Japan opening its domestic market to Scottish beef and...

    Read more

  • In the news: tackling livestock attacks

    8th January 2019 by

    You might have seen in the news today that a five-month, multi-agency campaign to highlight the reality of livestock attacks and distress caused primarily by dogs was launched by the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC). The aim of the campaign – “Your Dog – Your Responsibility” is to ensure dog owners understand the distressing...

    Read more

  • In the news: protecting Scotland’s nature

    3rd January 2019 by

    Conservation groups have called for stronger climate action to protect Scotland’s unique habitats and species, in a story you may have seen in the news today. The joint report by WWF Scotland and Scottish Environment LINK focuses on the impact our changing climate is having on species in five specific habitats across the country.  A...

    Read more

  • In the news: Farmers on the frontline of climate change

    27th December 2018 by

    You may have seen in the news today that WWF Scotland are calling on the Scottish Government to provide greater leadership and support to Scotland’s farmers to help them adapt to the challenges of a rapidly changing climate. This comes as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Global Warming called for...

    Read more

  • In the news: climate change and business

    24th December 2018 by

    Findings released by World Wildlife Foundation Scotland today suggests that small to medium-sized businesses feel less prepared for the risks of climate change compared to larger businesses. The survey of 300 businesses shows that only 2 in 5 of Scotland’s smaller firms feel prepared for risks posed by climate change, while over three-quarters of larger businesses stated they are either fully or partly prepared.

    Read more

  • Don’t let Puppy Farmers ruin your Christmas

    20th December 2018 by

    Sheila Voas, Chief Veterinary Officer for Scotland The picture-perfect Christmas morning for many families across the country includes a very cute and cuddly puppy with a big red bow joyfully appearing like magic as a gift for the littles ones, and to mark the arrival of the family’s first pet. Unfortunately, in recent years, that...

    Read more