Dispelling the Myths

A few old familiar myths about Scotland’s financial status in the UK were well and truly scuppered last week as some home truths were revealed. It was uncovered in a report by The Herald newspaper that under devolution Scotland is not a financially dependent nation, as some would have us believe. On the contrary it was found that Scotland pays its own way within the UK and benefits from no such special treatment.

The independent investigation found that Scotland receives an average of £9631 per head in public funds – less than the London’s receipt of £9748 or Northern Ireland’s of £10,271 per head. What’s more, in terms of welfare, the overall public cost at £3086 per head in Scotland is lower than that in much of Northern England.

The report also recognised the massive contribution to the coffers of the UK exchequer made by North Sea oil and gas. 90 per cent of these oil revenues come from Scotland’s sector of the Continental Shelf. With independence Scotland would have full control over its energy policy and could maximize the benefits of its energy resources for the people of Scotland. It could invest a share of the wealth generated from these revenues in a fund for future generations. We only need look across the North Sea to Norway to see an independent oil rich country enjoying the advantages of the natural resources with which it is endowed. Indeed our independent neighbour is now truly reaping the rewards of its oil fund. Established in 1990 Norway’s fund has grown from an initial payment of the equivalent of £174 million to a staggering £174 billion.

These simple facts and figures just go to further prove what the SNP have long been saying about Scotland’s financial position and its potential to be economically independent. While the Labour Party would lead us to believe that Scotland is but a dependent ‘wee’ country, unable to stand on its own two feet financially, the SNP has consistently shown confidence in Scotland and advocated its economic capacity. Far from being reliant on the UK public finances, given greater independence Scotland could flourish and fulfill its enormous economic potential.

Environment High on our Fishermen’s Agenda
Scotland’s fishermen are the most environmentally friendly and conservation-minded in Europe conservationists announced this week. The Scottish fleet has voluntarily undertaken to trial several measures to conserve fish stocks. These include having independent observers onboard to monitor the number of fish being discarded due to quotas and temporary closures of parts of the sea where too many young fish are being caught. We can all be immensely proud of our fishermen who are demonstrating huge cooperation and patience to balance conservation needs with profitability. Indeed they are leading the way in Europe on these stakes.

The Scottish fishing industry has for years suffered major under representation and indeed misrepresentation by the London Government in EU negotiations. However, with an SNP Government Scotland’s fishermen are now being consulted, taken seriously and given a voice and as a result we are witnessing a major shift in attitudes within our fishing industry. More confident in the Scottish Government to stand up for their interests at national and international level, Scottish fishermen have good reason to be positive and constructive about the future of their industry. The SNP Government recognizes the fundamental importance of fishing to Scotland, economically and socially to our fishing communities. That is why it is treating Scottish fishing as a priority and giving it the support it needs to be sustainable at the present and into the future.

Farmers Suffer as UK Government Shirks Responsibility

Anger and disappointment have been the prevailing sentiments within the Scottish farming industry over the last three weeks as farmers were badly let down by the UK government.

We recently witnessed another dramatic u-turn by the UK Government following their decision not to call a November election - this time by Environment Secretary Hillary Benn. After the snap election had been suddenly cleared from the agenda, Benn likewise reversed his planned statement on compensation for Scottish farmers affected by this summer’s Foot and Mouth outbreak south of the border.

The First Minister Alex Salmond exposed this cover-up by revealing two documents, one a daft statement by Benn pledging £8.1M in aid to Scottish farmers and the other the final statement which guaranteed assistance to the English livestock sector to the tune of £12.5M, but made no mention of the £8.1M previously devoted to Scotland. On the contrary he effectively washed his hands of the problem north of the border, leaving compensation solely to the responsibility of the Scottish Government.

Needless to say, Benn’s rethink came as a severe blow to our farmers and caused ructions across the industry in Scotland which had been seeking a £50M compensation package. At a summit in London last week between farming representatives and the Environment Secretary, Scottish farmers were told that their problems were not serious enough to merit compensation.

Farmers have suffered a severe financial burden due to substantial movement restrictions, further exacerbated by the time of year at which the outbreak occurred. August to October is the period when most cattle and sheep produced on hill and upland farms are marketed.

The UK Government appears to have overlooked the blatant fact that this outbreak came from a state-controlled facility in Surrey. Furthermore, under the devolution agreement they are responsible for funding animal disease control costs. They have a clear moral and legal duty to Scottish farmers.

Drawing New Blood into Our Agricultural Sector

In contrast to such negative and discouraging actions towards our agricultural industry, this side of the border the Scottish Government has been delivering further on its farming manifesto commitments. Indeed only this week the Tenants Farming Forum consultation on the Scottish Government’s proposals to introduce a new entrants’ scheme for farmers had its first meeting here in the North east, on our own doorstep in Oldmeldrum.


Farming is one of our oldest traditional industries and a vital aspect of country life, particularly here in Banff & Buchan. However, it can be difficult to get started in farming, especially for those who were not born into a farm-owning family. That is why the Scottish Government, as promised in its election manifesto, has asked the Tenants Farming Forum to investigate the barriers facing young people who want to embark upon what is a rewarding and fulfilling career in farming.

This proposed scheme is a fantastic initiative which will make farming a more viable and attractive career option for young people and will breathe new life into the Scottish agricultural sector. It is only by continually drawing new blood into the industry that we can preserve it as an integral part of rural life and make it sustainable for future generations. I would therefore encourage anyone in Banff & Buchan with an interest to go along and contribute to this very worthy consultation.