John Swinney used the opening day of the highland show to set out a timetable for the Rural Renewal Bill, saying the Scottish Government will begin engagement on it within its first 100 days. He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to Scotland’s agricultural sector while attending the Royal Highland Show with Gillian Martin and Jim Fairlie.
Royal Highland Show opening day
Swinney attended the Quality Meat Scotland breakfast and met representatives of the National Farmers Union Scotland during the visit. He described the Royal Highland Show as “a world-class showcase of Scotland’s high-quality farming, food and drink.”
He added: “I am delighted to be meeting so many people who play key roles in our agriculture sector today, and look forward to discussing how my government can help farmers to thrive.”
The show gave him a direct setting to restate the government’s line on farming, food and drink, while tying that message to a specific legislative timetable. Swinney said: “We committed to taking forward the Rural Renewal Bill within our first 100 days of government, and we are delivering on that.”
Rural Renewal Bill timetable
The bill is described as forthcoming legislation intended to support long-term sustainable growth and rural prosperity. Swinney said: “Beginning engagement on it will provide the opportunity to work with rural communities and business, delivering the legislation they need to help our rural and island communities grasp the opportunities before them.”
He also said: “Our country’s farming and food and drink sectors are renowned around the world and accounts for some of Scotland’s most iconic exports. It is also at the heart of our economy, sustaining businesses and employment across the length and breadth of the country – including in rural areas and islands, where farms and crofts often form the foundation of communities.”
Martin and Fairlie at the show
Gillian Martin and Jim Fairlie attended the show alongside the First Minister, placing the Rural Affairs Secretary and Agriculture Minister in the same setting as the government’s main farming audience. Swinney said: “I am pleased that we will soon begin this engagement on this legislation which will help our rural and island communities reach their potential. Rural Scotland can be assured that as First Minister, I will work tirelessly to champion their interests.”
For rural businesses and farming groups at the show, the immediate change is not a passed law but a set timetable: engagement on the bill is due to begin inside the government’s first 100 days. That puts the first formal discussion of the legislation ahead of any later parliamentary stage and makes the Royal Highland Show the place where the commitment was publicly tied to a deadline.
