A war of words has erupted in Argyll and Bute council chamber after a motion recognising ‘farmers, crofters, growers and fishermen’ and promoting local produce had references to meat, dairy, fish and arable removed.

Independent councillor Alastair Redman lodged the motion, which he felt should achieve cross-party support at meeting of the full council.

The motion read: “Argyll and Bute Council recognises the huge contribution made by our farmers, crofters, growers and fishermen to our local economy, environment and wider rural communities.

“Consequently, Argyll and Bute Council commits to maintaining and where possible enhancing our working relationships with local arable, livestock, crofting, dairy farmers and fishermen.”

The Independent councillor’s motion went on to call for food and drink provided at council events to be sourced from local suppliers where possible, including meat, dairy, fish and arable produce.

Mr Redman’s motion then goes on to urge the council to consider ways to encourage residents ‘to shop locally taking advantage of our Love Local marketing work, and taking advantage of home-grown, affordable and nutritious produce, including meat, dairy, fish and arable options, thus reducing food miles to our tables and boosting the local economy.’

However, things took a turn for the worse for Mr Redman when councillor Mark Irivine indicated an amendment.

While the amendment continued to acknowledge food producers, specific references to some foods including meat and dairy were removed.

In addition, the reference to improving relationships with livestock, crofting and dairy farmers was subsequently changed to growers, fishers and delis.

In addition, the word fishermen, was changed to fishers.

The move drew a strong rebuke from Mr Redman after the event who described it as ‘ultra woke’ and questioned why the council administration was ‘shy about mentioning our dairy, arable and livestock farmers in their amendment’.

Commenting to The Scottish Farmer, Mr Irvine said: "The primary reason for the amendment was to also highlight the need to keep cash in the local economy as well as supporting our local producers across all sectors.

"I felt the amendment, as approved by the large majority of Councillors, was more rounded and achieved that goal and certainly no offence was intended.

"The amendment as voted on clearly shows the administration support all sectors of our local food production without singling them all out."