“Clear prop” bellowed the pilot. The engine then spluttered into life and we taxied a short distance before taking off on a glorious day to do some crop inspection in a more unusual way.

However, earlier the pilot had looked me up and down, stuck his head into the cockpit, threw out some cushions, and declared, “right, your head will fit in now”. He glanced at me again and enquired, “you’re less than 16 stone aren’t you? The undercarriage isn’t designed for heavy landings.”

I smiled at him unconvincingly, regretting the pork pie I had devoured at lunch and banished from my mind the images of Nigel Farage in a wheat field on election day.

The view over the Borders was spectacular, but from my vantage point it was easy to spot some very patchy crops, especially over Berwickshire, including on the return leg, one that even the pilot commented was looking particularly bad. It happened to be mine. I was gutted. But I believe the recent welcome rain has done much to improve those ailing fields.

We hosted LEAF Open Farm Sunday at Caverton Mill, and the number of people who visited delighted me, thanks partly to the excellent article written by the Sunday newspaper hack who followed me last month. Exhibits varied from sheep shearing, to planting broccoli and much more, and I am indebted to the many that helped us on the day.

I think we succeeded in explaining some of the intricacies of farming that we all take for granted to others, judging by the kind comments made by our guests.

Some of you reading this, are, I am sure, slightly jaded after the Royal Highland Show. It’s a wonderful showcase for Scottish farming and a great excuse to get away for a couple of days. I need a pint.

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