Scotland: National Rural Network
Connecting Rural Scotland - Promoting Rural Growth

Around 200 farm buildings have collapsed or suffered major damage due to the weight of snow in recent weeks. A short term working group has been set up to consider how those affected can be helped. The group's remit will include looking at the insurance position. 

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead met with farming industries to discuss the impact of the big freeze. The working group will be made up of industry bodies, technical experts and insurers. Scotland's Chief Agricultural Officer Drew Sloan will chair the group.

Mr Lochhead said, "The recent weather has caused serious problems across the whole of Scotland, but none more so than in our rural areas.

"Snow damage to agricultural buildings will leave affected farmers in a very difficult position. With up to 200 thought to have suffered damage, I am keen to explore options and consider what further support we can offer.

"The Chief Agricultural Officer will chair this short life working group and I have asked for initial findings to be ready by January 28."

Bodies represented on the group will include NFUS, Scottish Rural Property and Business Association and Scottish Agricultural College and its remit will be to:

• Analyse returned questionnaires from farmers suffering damage
• Establish the geographical spread and location of the premises affected
• Establish the range and type of buildings affected
• Establish the extent of damage incurred especially in relation to the application of current building regulations
• Establish the insurance position
• Identify requirements for replacement facilities and establish the capacity for construction within the desired timeframe
• Make recommendations in relation to Government action

The group will first meet when data has been gathered from questionnaires submitted by those affected not later than January 25th. Questionnaires will be available in RPID Area offices and at www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural.

Freezebusters

In our special Freezebusters feature you can tell us how your area has been affected by the weather, and how your community has been pulling together to cope. We also have photos from around the country in our Big Freeze Gallery.

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