A NEW Scottish farming video series based on interviews with people that work on the frontline of the industry launched online this week.

Fronted by Landward's Dougie Vipond, the six-part series 'Future Farming Fit' has been created by the Royal Bank of Scotland to offer thoughts and advice that will help the sector emerge from a year of lockdown.

Episodes will be available on podcast and video formats, featuring a new interviewee in each episode, with contributions from across the UK and Ireland. The first instalment, launched on June 2 on YouTube, focussed on the future of farming in Scotland, with guests including Scotland’s Rural College economist Steven Thompson; Professor of Carbon Management and Education at Edinburgh University, Dave Reay; and the former chair of the Oxford Farming Conference Sally Williams.

In each episode, Mr Vipond will investigate issues affecting the personal and professional lives of farming communities, with one episode featuring the story of young farmer Adam Mathison, who previously shared with The Scottish Farmer his brave battle with suicide.

The series is free to all and it is hoped will give the 500,000 people employed across the sector the opportunity to hear directly from some of the most influential voices in the industry.

Director of Agriculture for Commercial Banking at the Royal Bank of Scotland, Roddy McLean, said: “The last 18 months have been one of the most turbulent in the history of UK farming, finally leaving the EU and the climate emergency becoming the focus and as we emerge from the shadow of Covid 19, we know businesses are looking for advice on what to do next – which is why we’ve launched the Future Fit series.

“The six programmes will look at some of the key issues the sector is facing and aims to inspire and offer guidance on some of the most topical issues," he explained

“The bank is principal partner at COP26 and we know how important managing the climate challenge will be for the agriculture sector and the impact it will have on the future of farming. It is insight like this that we hope will help add value to the series.

“Importantly, as someone with family farming, I’m aware of the personal pressure farming creates and that is why we have produced a series which let’s real farmers and those on the frontline tell their story and what their industry means to them, professionally and personally," he said.

“We hope that those who work in the industry across the country take strength and inspiration from the series and with our support as a bank and the unique network the agriculture sector offers, return stronger, fit and ready for a positive future."

The first episode can be viewed HERE