The Scottish Government has stepped in to help farmers struggling to get by as a result of the poor weather with a £50,000 charity donation.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead announced the funding boost for the RSABI, a Scottish charity which supports farmers, crofters and others working the land when faced with hardship.
He said the “unseasonably wet weather” in Scotland this summer has had an impact on the sector.
Mr Lochhead, who was visiting the Lairg lamb sales in the Highlands, added: “I have heard reports of sheep farmers suffering losses of animals at lambing due to the cold, wet conditions and cattle are not performing as well as usual.
“This obviously has implications for production as well as potentially the prices farmers can achieve at market for their stock.”
Poor weather could also mean the amount of silage farmers can produce to feed their animals during the winter months could be “badly affected”, with Mr Lochhead warning that “further problems could be in store”.
He said he is “very keen to explore ways in which the industry and Scottish Government can help”, and added he will be taking part in a summit next week with agricultural ministers and industry leaders from across the UK.
This will “consider what further appropriate help can be made available to those sectors most affected by the wet weather and other challenges facing primary food production”, Mr Lochhead said.
He added: “I am acutely aware that some farmers and crofters might be experiencing hardship in the short term. That is why I am announcing today a £50,000 donation to RSABI, a unique Scottish charity that provides financial assistance and support to those people who have worked in Scotland in land-based occupations and who are suffering hardship.”
RSABI chief executive Nina Clancy said: “RSABI is very grateful for the donation from the Scottish Government. We are experiencing an increased number of working farmers and crofters contacting the charity for support and financial assistance.
“Farmers and crofters are facing extremely challenging times. RSABI is here to help where it can. We would urge people to call our helpline in confidence.”