IT’S THE most wonderful time of the year to be a Scottish Machinery Ring Association member – as from log cutters to road gritters, turkey producers to Christmas tree suppliers, the diversity of SMRA members is in the spotlight in the run up to the festive period.
Since the first Scottish Machinery Ring was established in 1987, the association has become one of the success stories of Scottish agriculture and rural business, helping the 7000 members under its banner to optimise efficiency and generate income.
With input costs dictating the profitability of all farms, the association can deliver substantial savings on machinery, labour and commodities, as well as offering access to a vast array of training and skills development – all of which are particularly handy for supporting agri-businesses during the busy festive season.
Managing director of Ringlink Scotland. Graham Bruce, explained: “In the run up to Christmas, our labour division remains busy, with approximately 400 workers supporting members with tree harvesting and produce grading and packing. Another key service is the supply of fuel, with our fuel monitors ensuring fuel tanks are topped up for the festive period and that there’s no cold turkey on Christmas Day.”
Chief executive at Tayforth Machinery Ring, Bruce Hamilton, commented: “Our team at Tayforth are member-focused to secure their wide variety of requirements from our extensive range of services and supplies. This Christmas we are proud to be able to supply members with turkeys, hams, Christmas trees and logs and Kero to keep them warm.”
The Kilted Christmas Tree Company, a member of Tayforth Machinery Ring, initially sold freshly cut Christmas trees to the local community but has since grown to become one of Scotland’s leading market suppliers. 
“Our carefully maintained stock of half a million trees is grown in our fields in Kinross-shire, with a simple aim in mind; we care about our trees, our customers and their Christmas," said the family firm's Cameron Smith. "This year we were delighted to supply Tayforth Machinery Ring with their office Christmas tree.”
Member of Ringlink Machinery Ring, Tullochbeg Turkeys based near Huntly, are a fine example of the diverse enterprises that the SMRA supports. Ross and Kirsty Williams, who were runners up of the British Farming Awards 2020 New Entrants category, produce Christmas turkeys alongside their cattle and sheep enterprises.
“We have been producing turkeys for the Christmas market for the last five years and the birds are all traditionally dry plucked and then game hung,” said Kirsty. “Being a member of Ringlink allows us to call upon them for assistance as required, whether it is for fuel, commodities, haulage, energy or knowledge exchange.”
The association thanked all ring members for their support during 2020 and looked forward to working with current and new farmers and agri-businesses in the New Year.
SMRA vice chairman, Andrew Moir, said: “Whether your need is for labour, machinery, training requirements or assistance with an unforeseen emergency, SMRA is a member focused group that are well connected to help throughout the year and are available from Orkney to the Borders and beyond.”