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BBC News
20 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Growing crops 'more unpredictable and difficult'
Growing cereal crops in Scotland has become increasingly "unpredictable and difficult", farming body NFU Scotland (NFUS) has said "unusual weather" had resulted in this year's spring barley being ready to harvest earlier than usual - but it had also adversely affected the quality of the grain.A dry spring affected the germination of barley in some places before later dry weather had a further impact, with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) raising concerns around water scarcity for some parts of Scotland said: "This year's spring barley harvest is coming in around two weeks earlier than usual – something we've not seen before." Barley sown in spring is often sold for making whisky, while winter-sown barley is traditionally used for animal feed and sometimes brewing NFUS spokesperson said: "The unusual weather we've had this year has not only caused the early harvest, it has also affected the quality of the grain, particularly in malting barley – a major Scottish crop. "If the grain doesn't meet maltsters' specifications it could be rejected, causing a serious loss of income for some businesses."They added: "This unusual quality situation has come at a bad time, with distilleries rapidly scaling back whisky production, and a high global grain supply depressing prices around the world."NFUS described Scottish farmers as being on the "front line" of climate said: "Changing weather patterns have made growing crops more unpredictable and difficult. "With prices low, costs high, and weather patterns increasingly erratic, some farmers are now considering whether they should grow malting barley next year." Bumper crop in Orkney The situation has not been the same across the whole of Scotland, and producers in Orkney have reported bumper Hay, of Birsay-based agricultural contractors J & S Hay, said there had been enough moisture in the soil in spring to get crops growing before conditions turned said wet weather in June had threatened to ruin the harvest. The Met Office said Orkney provisionally recorded its wettest June on Hay told BBC Radio Orkney: "We had our best spring I can remember, but June was just about too wet. "We thought our luck had run out."Mr Hay said the harvest was two to three weeks early, and this had allowed farmers to cut the crop before any risk of a further change in the he added that it had meant farm work been busier than usual as some farmers were trying to cut silage at the same time."It's kind of like all seasons on the go just now," he said.
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Climate
- The Herald Scotland
Rivers in eastern Scotland facing moderate water scarcity
SEPA has warned that some areas are just two weeks away from significant scarcity. This is the third instance of parts of eastern Scotland nearing significant scarcity in 2025. The first was in May during a spell of hot, dry weather, and it happened again in July after several weeks of high temperatures and little rain. READ MORE: On both occasions, rainfall arrived just before regulatory action was required. However, river flows in these areas have never fully recovered to normal, leaving them vulnerable to the current conditions. The situation has been compounded by a very dry autumn and winter, which left rivers entering spring with below-average levels. A dry spring and summer have further worsened the situation. Although the west is mostly back to normal conditions following rain at the start of June, rivers in the east remain particularly vulnerable due to the rain shadow effect and the way these rivers are fed by snowmelt and groundwater. Some eastern catchments experience rainfall levels similar to East Anglia, leaving them more susceptible to prolonged low flows. Recent rain has not been sufficient to offset months of low rainfall and high evaporation. Eilidh Johnston, SEPA's senior manager in water industry and rural economy, said: "Rivers in eastern Scotland remain under sustained pressure. "Approaching significant scarcity for the third time this year in some areas highlights the vulnerability of eastern Scotland's water environment. "We understand that after such a long period, the message may feel repetitive, and it's easy to assume that rainfall will arrive in time to ease the pressure as it has before. "But there's no guarantee that will happen this time. "That's why it's vital that businesses continue to stay engaged, understand conditions in their area and take action where needed." In some areas, river levels remain well below what is typical for the time of year and the ground is dry, meaning much of the water from showers and downpours runs off quickly rather than soaking in. Ms Johnston added: "We've been working closely with abstractors in the areas most at risk, including calling licence holders directly. "We'll also continue to work with organisations like NFUS, Scotch Whisky Association and Scottish Golf to ensure advice is shared and impacts are understood. "We know how important water is to the Scottish economy, particularly sectors like farming, food and drink, and energy. "We also know that without a healthy water environment, those sectors cannot thrive. "As an effective regulator, our role is to balance the needs of businesses with the health of the environment they rely on."
The National
29-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Scottish Government scraps plans for Galloway national park
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon confirmed that opposition to the nomination and the reporter's recommendations against it meant that the region in southwest Scotland would not join the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs as the country's third national park. It comes after what has been described as 'intense lobbying' from opponents, with the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) having recorded 29 meetings with ministers and MSPs between January last year and February this year. Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Gougeon said: 'While there is substantial support for a National Park and what it could deliver for the southwest of Scotland, there is also significant opposition. I realise that this decision will be very disappointing for those who have been campaigning for a new National Park in Galloway over many years. 'I also recognise the huge amount of work and time that has been invested by a great many people throughout this process. I would like to thank everyone involved, including members of the Galloway National Park Association and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere." READ MORE: National park supporters urge ministers not to scrap Galloway proposal She added: 'The Scottish Government remains committed to our existing National Parks and the vital leadership role that they play in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises, promoting sustainable land management and supporting the economic and social development of local communities. Our National Parks are achieving for people and nature.' Karen Blackport, co-convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance and chief executive of Bright Green Nature, said: 'By scrapping plans for a Galloway National Park, the Scottish Government has yet again proved it cannot successfully plot a path to a wilder Scotland. This decision undermines efforts to restore nature, protect wildlife and support resilient rural communities. Amidst a climate and biodiversity crisis, Scotland needs leadership and vision – not another retreat from meaningful action. 'The Scottish Government must now use the Natural Environment Bill to begin a new phase for Scotland's national parks – ensuring that everyone can benefit from wilder national parks that can be the jewels in the crown of Scotland's nature recovery and its journey towards becoming a Rewilding Nation.' RSPB Scotland also reacted to the decsion, stating: "Today's announcement that a new national park for Galloway will not be going ahead is very disappointing news. "It has been over twenty years since our two existing national parks, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs and the Cairngorms, were designated. Since then, these places have evolved into important landscapes both for nature and for people. "A number of RSPB Scotland's reserves sit within national parks, and we believe that a third national park in Scotland – whether in Galloway or elsewhere – should be a welcome proposal that would deliver positive outcomes for nature. "Following today's decision, RSPB Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to swiftly come forward with alternative additional measures that clearly demonstrate its commitment to restoring nature and tackling the nature and climate emergency."
STV News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- STV News
Ministers told delaying national park decision risks ‘unacceptable uncertainty'
Scottish Government ministers are being urged to press ahead with plans to establish a new national park, with supporters in Galloway insisting any delay will cause 'unacceptable uncertainty' for the region. Ministers have already announced the area could be home to what would be Scotland's third national park. The proposed park could take in parts of Dumfries and Galloway, as well as parts of South and East Ayrshire. A consultation has been taking place, with Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon due to make a statement on Thursday. It comes after what has been described as 'intense lobbying' from opponents, with the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) having recorded 29 meetings with ministers and MSPs between January last year and February this year. Those against granting national park status to Galloway have claimed it could cost the area more than £500 million by 2035, arguing such a move could prevent developments such as new wind farms. But supporters say the area is currently 'the forgotten corner of Scotland' and that designating it as a national park could attract new people, while preventing the area from becoming a 'dumping ground for inappropriate windfarms'. Scotland currently has two national parks, in the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, with Rob Lucas, chair of the Galloway National Parks Association stating: 'Galloway desperately needs a national park to give it the long-term certainty and commitment that has been missing for so long.' The region has a 'fragile economy' and is one of the 'poorest rural areas in the UK', he added. Mr Locas said: 'This is the forgotten corner of Scotland. We need a national park to put Galloway on the map to attract people to live, work and visit, and help prevent it becoming the dumping ground for inappropriate windfarms and insensitive afforestation.' Kat Jones, director of the countryside charity, Action to Protact Rural Scotland (APRS), said while Galloway has 'beautiful landscapes and special nature', the area has been 'long overlooked for investment' and has the 'fastest declining population on mainland Scotland'. Designating the area as a national park would be a 'chance to make a change for the better now', she said. The campaigner continued: 'Any delay would likely leave the designation to be completed in the next Parliament, bringing unacceptable uncertainty.' In the midst of a 'nature and climate crisis', she insisted creating a national park could help develop a new model of 'how nature, communities, farming, forestry and energy can all work together for a resilient and sustainable future'. She added: 'National parks are a recognition of the best of our nation's landscapes. Scotland, with some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, has only two of the UK's 15 national parks. 'Ministers need to make a decision that will retain Scotland's standing as a country that values and protects its nature and heritage. 'Any delay in recognising a national park would be a setback for Scotland's reputation for nature and landscape protection, and for the people of Galloway and southern Ayrshire, who are set to benefit most from the new national park.' John Thomson, chair of the Scottish Campaign for National Parks, said: 'Scottish national parks are at the forefront globally in the way that they seek to strike an enduring balance between nature protection and enhancement, truly sustainable land use and development, and community vitality and wellbeing. 'As such, they can lead in mapping the way forward for rural areas right across Scotland's wealth of fine landscapes, bringing huge benefits to both local residents and to all who value the treasures they have to offer. 'Over a century since a Scot gifted the world the concept of the national park, Scotland urgently needs more of them. 'Galloway, in particular, has waited far too long for its natural and cultural heritage assets to be recognised in this way.' Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell said: 'Any decision to scrap or delay the Galloway national park would be a disaster for local nature and communities. 'Scotland's two current national parks, the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, have shown just how valuable the status can be. From effectively managing tourism and forestry to levering investment into transport and housing, national parks are benefiting the communities they serve. 'National park status opens doors for areas that desperately need opportunities, with the potential to create high-quality jobs, boost local food production and secure landscape scale investment in nature. 'I hope the SNP ignore a small number of voices who want to stop any kind of change, anywhere. A Galloway national park would have a positive impact for nature and communities and would be managed and controlled by local people themselves. 'Scottish communities were competing against each other last year to secure a new national park, it would be an embarrassment if SNP ministers now blocked every community in Scotland from hosting a new park.' Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: 'I would like to thank all those who took part in the consultation on whether there should be a new national park in Galloway and South and East Ayrshire. 'Now that we have received NatureScot's report of the consultation findings and advice on the proposal, we have carefully considered these and will update parliament on Thursday on the next steps.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The National
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Supporters urge ministers not to abandon Galloway national park proposal
Ministers have already announced the area could be home to what would be Scotland's third national park. The proposed park could take in parts of Dumfries and Galloway, as well as parts of South and East Ayrshire. A consultation has been taking place, with Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon due to make a statement on Thursday where she is expected to scrap plans to establish the park. READ MORE: Community hoping to save historic church featured in much-loved novel It comes after what has been described as 'intense lobbying' from opponents, with the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) having recorded 29 meetings with ministers and MSPs between January last year and February this year. Those against granting national park status to Galloway have claimed it could cost the area more than £500 million by 2035, arguing such a move could prevent developments such as new wind farms. But supporters say the area is currently 'the forgotten corner of Scotland' and that designating it as a national park could attract new people, while preventing the area from becoming a 'dumping ground for inappropriate windfarms'. Scotland currently has two national parks, in the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, with Rob Lucas, chair of the Galloway National Parks Association stating: 'Galloway desperately needs a national park to give it the long-term certainty and commitment that has been missing for so long.' The region has a 'fragile economy' and is one of the 'poorest rural areas in the UK', he added. Locas said: 'This is the forgotten corner of Scotland. We need a national park to put Galloway on the map to attract people to live, work and visit, and help prevent it becoming the dumping ground for inappropriate windfarms and insensitive afforestation.' Kat Jones, director of the countryside charity, Action to Protect Rural Scotland (APRS), said while Galloway has 'beautiful landscapes and special nature', the area has been 'long overlooked for investment' and has the 'fastest declining population on mainland Scotland'. Designating the area as a national park would be a 'chance to make a change for the better now', she said. READ MORE: Revealed: The Scottish councils now using Elon Musk's Starlink internet technology The campaigner continued: 'Any delay would likely leave the designation to be completed in the next Parliament, bringing unacceptable uncertainty.' In the midst of a 'nature and climate crisis', she insisted that creating a national park could help develop a new model of 'how nature, communities, farming, forestry and energy can all work together for a resilient and sustainable future'. She added: 'National parks are a recognition of the best of our nation's landscapes. Scotland, with some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, has only two of the UK's 15 national parks. 'Ministers need to make a decision that will retain Scotland's standing as a country that values and protects its nature and heritage. 'Any delay in recognising a national park would be a setback for Scotland's reputation for nature and landscape protection, and for the people of Galloway and southern Ayrshire, who are set to benefit most from the new national park.' John Thomson, chair of the Scottish Campaign for National Parks, said: 'Scottish national parks are at the forefront globally in the way that they seek to strike an enduring balance between nature protection and enhancement, truly sustainable land use and development, and community vitality and wellbeing. 'As such, they can lead in mapping the way forward for rural areas right across Scotland's wealth of fine landscapes, bringing huge benefits to both local residents and to all who value the treasures they have to offer. 'Over a century since a Scot gifted the world the concept of the national park, Scotland urgently needs more of them. 'Galloway, in particular, has waited far too long for its natural and cultural heritage assets to be recognised in this way.' Lobbyists with vested interests must not be allowed to sway the Scottish Government's decision on creating the park, Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell said. He added: 'Any decision to scrap or delay the Galloway National Park would be a disaster for local nature and communities. 'Scotland's two current national parks, the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, have shown just how valuable the status can be. From effectively managing tourism and forestry to leveraging investment into transport and housing, national parks are benefiting the communities they serve.' 'National park status opens doors for areas that desperately need opportunities, with the potential to create high-quality jobs, boost local food production and secure landscape scale investment in nature. 'I hope the SNP ignore a small number of voices who want to stop any kind of change, anywhere. A Galloway National Park would have a positive impact for nature and communities and would be managed and controlled by local people themselves. 'Scottish communities were competing against each other last year to secure a new national park, it would be an embarrassment if SNP ministers now blocked every community in Scotland from hosting a new park.' Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: 'I would like to thank all those who took part in the consultation on whether there should be a new national park in Galloway and South and East Ayrshire. 'Now that we have received NatureScot's report of the consultation findings and advice on the proposal, we have carefully considered these and will update parliament on Thursday on the next steps.'
