FARMERS AND crofters throughout Scotland have filmed a video showing solidarity with all those stuck in lockdown to limit the spread of Covid-19, and reassuring 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’ being asked to stay home and only leave their house for shopping or exercise once a day, farmers and crofters, with NFU Scotland, wanted to let Scotland know that they will continue to supply supermarkets and shops with all they will need to get through these troubling times.

The video involves 23 farmers, crofters, their families and their workforce, from across Scotland, filming themselves on farm, reciting small messages of encouragement.

The project was voluntarily developed by dairy farmers Colin Ferguson, who is NFU Scotland Dumfries and Galloway chairman, and David McMiken, who sits on the union's milk committee, as well as Rebecca Dawes of Jane Craigie Marketing.

Following the launch of the video, Mr 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.”

Mr 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 advice; stay home and stay safe. Scotland’s farmers and crofters will take care of the food, drink and countryside while you do.”

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