School’s out for summer – let show season begin
Sponsored Editorial
Last week marked the end of the school year for many of us across Scotland. While our teachers, classroom assistants and vital support staff take a hard-earned break, so the challenge of entertaining young people for six weeks begins.
If we were living 100 years ago, this wouldn’t have been such an issue. Historically, it was thought that the purpose for the six or seven week summer break was to enable young people to help with the harvest.
The start of the school holidays also marks the starts the summer of agricultural shows. From Stranraer to Shetland, up and down the country communities will come together to celebrate the very best of food, farming and rural life. Farmers will be showing their livestock and local producers presenting the fruits of their labours.
As professionals with a vested interest in Scotland’s rural sector, it’s a great opportunity for us to get out and about to meet people, helping our understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the agricultural sector and its supporting communities.
A topic that comes up time and time again is around what we call natural capital – Scotland’s air, soil, water and all living things. Natural capital is intrinsically linked to Scotland’s rural community particularly in the areas of peatland restoration and woodland creation.
We’re constantly talking to a range of stakeholders with an interest in natural capital whether that is landowners, developers, policy makers and professional advisors. There are recurring themes such as private and public sector collaboration, community benefits from the increased amount of investment in Scottish land, and the importance of our biodiversity and habitats.
What strikes me most about these conversations is how so many different parts of our society and economy overlap and contribute to Scotland’s natural capital. There is a shared belief and understanding that Scotland’s natural resources are fundamental to a healthy and resilient economy, as long as they are managed respectfully and sustainably.
Everyone recognises the contribution Scotland’s rural sector makes to the economy as employers and food producers. There is also an important role to play in helping the country achieve its net zero ambitions.
The topic of carbon credits and investment in Scottish land is central to these conversations. It’s clear there are lots of different parts of the economy willing to get involved. Collaboration and clarity are key to making the most of our natural resources in a responsible manner.
The role of communities is also important. Projects such as peatland restoration or woodland creation require highly skilled people who understand their local areas.
From a personal perspective, as one of Scotland’s only two accredited specialists in crofting law, and a crofter myself, it’s encouraging to hear how crofting communities can contribute and benefit from a growing sector.
We’ll be at several shows across the summer including Caithness, Black Isle, Cunningsburgh and Keith. If you’re heading along, come and pay us a visit.
