Farmers and crofters throughout Scotland have managed more than 70,000 views in just 18 hours for a special film showing solidarity with those in lockdown.
As the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown continues into its fourth week, farmers and crofters from every corner and sector of Scotland have come together to produce a video to reassure the general public that they will do all they can to keep food and drink on everyone’s table.
With everyone who is not an ‘essential worker’ asked to stay home and only leave their house for shopping or exercise once a day, farmers and crofters, with NFU Scotland, wanted to reassure Scotland that they will continue to do all they need to get through these troubling times.
The video sees 23 farmers, crofters, their families and their workforce filming themselves out on their farms, reciting small messages of encouragement to the people of Scotland.
The poem’s opening line “Hello Scotland” is read by four-year-old Ally Ross from Argyll with a different farmer from across Scotland picking up each line.
Farmers and crofters are very privileged to produce high-quality food and drink for the nation and they wanted to show their solidarity with those most affected by the lockdown.
The project was voluntarily developed by dairy farmers Colin Ferguson, NFU Scotland Dumfries and Galloway chairman, and David McMiken, who sits on NFU Scotland Milk Committee, as well as Rebecca Dawes from Jane Craigie Marketing.
Following the launch of the video, Colin Ferguson said: “In these worrying times it is important that the Scottish public know that farmers and crofters are still doing all they can to keep healthy, high welfare food and drink on their tables.
Scotland’s farmers have been producing food for Scottish families for generations, and we are determined to keep on doing so through this global pandemic.”
David McMiken added: “We wanted to reassure consumers that despite this strange situation, there shouldn’t be any disruption to the food and drink we are able to produce and that any panic buying is completely unnecessary.
“It is important that people listen to the Government’s advice; stay home and stay safe. Scotland’s farmers and crofters will take care of the food, drink and countryside, while you do.”
