Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, joined North-East Fife Conservative Candidate, Huw Bell, at a Public meeting on Land Reform last week whilst on the campaign trail in Lundin Links.
The meeting brought together farmers and interested members of the public looking to hear more about the consequences of the SNP’s flagship rural policy.
Currently, there are concerns about how the proposed land reform legislation will affect conservation, bio-diversity, people’s jobs and the economy.
The panel of four was chaired by former Scotland Office Minister, Jamie, Lord Lindsay and included Colin Clark a lawyer specialising in agricultural law and Mike Reid, a respected land agent.
Commenting Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said:
“It was great to be able to discuss Land Reform with Huw and farmers from the Fife area.
“A lot of people are in the dark when it comes to what Land Reform actually means. Many people in North-east Fife could be affected by these changes and I was keen to hear from the people who really matter, so we can shape the political agenda on this important issue.”
“Huw is a fantastic candidate for North-East Fife who has a keen eye for rural issues and it was great to join him on the campaign trail.”
Commenting Conservative Candidate in North-East Fife, Huw Bell said:
“Coming from a farming and forestry family I am gravely concerned by the implications of the the SNP’s proposals for land reform.”
“I only have to look at the damage that would be done to my own family, some of whom own their farms, and my cousin is a young entrant farmer on a tenancy agreement."
“I was delighted that we were able to hold this event and hear the views of specialists like Mike Reid and Colin Clark, as well as Murdo’s incisive views.”
"From what we hear, it is clear that the livelihoods and futures of many rural Fifers are at threat as a result of the Central-Belt driven SNP agenda to interfere in how we do things here.”
"I will stand up for our rural communities and work with Murdo and others to show the SNP how damaging their proposals would be.”
“Everyone would be impacted; from ghillies and gamekeepers to farmers and estate owners."
“I will be the strong voice that rural North East Fife people need to protect their interests."