Light at the end of the tunnel for hill farmers

26 February 1998

"Light at the end of the tunnel" for hill farmers

THE Scottish National Farmers Unions hill-farming convenor John Scott told an Ayr area meeting that he saw “light at the end of the tunnel” for his members.

He also predicted a weakening of Sterling by late summer or autumn. He acknowledged the Government had started to listen farmers and it was trying to understand its problems.

He said there was no will in Europe to carry Common Agricultural Policy reforms through, so they would not be a major problem for farmers in the short term.

George Lyon, joint acting president and the latest candidate to enter the national presidency race, hit back at critics who questioned his long-term, commitment to the union.

Mr Lyon said earlier this year that he would not run for the top job because he wanted to be considered for the new Scottish Parliament.

• The Scotsman 26/02/98 page 31