Four of the Government’s most senior politicians have confirmed they will attend the Royal Highland Show this week.
The UK Government’s presence at the four-day Edinburgh event will give the rural industries and members of the public the chance to speak to ministers and staff about what is important to them.
Scottish Secretary David Mundell, UK Environment Secretary Michael Gove, UK Government Minister of State for Exiting the European Union, Lord Callanan and UK Government Minister for Scotland Lord Duncan are among those expected to attend.
Scottish Secretary David Mundell will also host a Scottish beer reception in the showgrounds, showcasing the best of Scotland’s brewers.
“The Royal Highland Show is Scotland’s biggest agriculture event and the UK Government will be taking this excellent opportunity to engage with the industry, underline the importance of the rural economy to Scotland and wider UK and show how determined we are to get a good deal for the sector in our EU exit negotiations,” he said.
Scottish agriculture is worth £1.4 billion a year to the UK economy and my message is clear: We need to be bold and ambitious and maximise the opportunities Brexit brings.
“To achieve this, it is vital that the UK and Scottish Governments work together – as well as with businesses – to ensure our rural economy can continue to grow.
“Attracting almost 200,000 visitors last year, the show also provides an important platform for show-goers to find out how the UK Government is delivering for people in Scotland – including on funding for childcare, pensions, defence and business start-up support.
“I look forward to meeting businesses and members of the public over the course of the show, to hear about their priorities over the coming months and years.”
‘Ambitious agricultural framework’
Environment Secretary Michael Gove added that he looking forward to seeing the “very best of Scottish farming, food and rural life”.
“As we leave the EU we want an ambitious agricultural framework that works for all of the UK,” he said.
This means more freedom for Scotland to support their farming sectors and enhance their beautiful and environmentally rich landscapes.
“We are continuing to work together ahead of the Agriculture Bill taking a common approach where it benefits all farmers and consumers to do so.”
Official figures show that in 2016, agriculture contributed approximately £1.4 billion to Scotland’s economy, employing around 67,000 people.
Overseas Scottish food and drink exports were worth approximately £6 billion in 2017 and food and drink businesses now employ around 115,000 people.
