South Scotland MSP Joan McAlpine celebrated the success of Dumfries and Galloway’s agricultural sector as she attended the annual Dumfries Show last Saturday (August 3^rd).

 

The SNP MSP met with representatives from Scotland’s Rural College, NFU Scotland, and Dumfries and Galloway Dairy Women’s Network.

 

Commenting Ms McAlpine said:

 

“The Dumfries Show is always an enjoyable day, and a staple of any local MSP or MP’s calendar. This year was a packed show and a huge success.

 

“On Saturday I was delighted to meet with staff from the SRUC to learn more about their Veterinary Nursing degree – the first degree course to be offered at Barony Campus. There are still a few spaces left for this year, so anyone with an interest can have a look at the College’s website or go along to the Open Day on August 9^th.

 

“I also took the opportunity to attend the NFU Scotland stand – where a reception was held celebrating the success of Dumfries and Galloway Dairy Women’s Network; the Health and Wellbeing in the Farming Community Project and the region’s Retired Farming Social Group – one year on from their launch.

 

“The agricultural sector is so important to the region, and we are lucky to have so many enterprising individuals developing sustainable businesses. It was fantastic to have an opportunity to celebrate and highlight that.”

 

1. Joan McAlpine pictured with members of NFU Scotland and MSPs
2. Joan McAlpine with MSPs Emma Harper, Finlay Carson, Colin Smyth, Oliver Mundell and SRUC staff

SNP MSP Joan McAlpine has welcomed £200,000 of new funding from the Scottish Government for Quality Meat Scotland’s Scotch Lamb promotional campaign.

 

The First Minister confirmed the funding as she attended aa farm show today (Monday).

 

The sheep sector plays a significant part in Scotland’s red meat industry, which is worth £892 million to Scotland.

 

Ms McAlpine commented:

 

“Sheep production is concentrated in the South of Scotland, with Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish borders the home to 31% of all the breeding sheep – so this is good news for the region. The food and drink sector as a whole is such an important part of Dumfries and Galloway’s economy – so we must do everything we can to promote our premium produce.

 

“The strength of our farming industry would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of the farmers who work tirelessly to produce high quality meat.

 

“That hard work and premium product is recognised by the protection given by the EU to the Scotch Lamb brand and we will be working hard to continue that protection in the future.

 

“I’m pleased the SNP Scottish Government are supporting this year’s campaign which will help encourage consumers to buy Scotch lamb as part of their regular shopping.”

 

Jim McLaren, Quality Meat Scotland’s Chairman, said:

 

“Today’s announcement by the First Minister is fantastic news for the Scottish sheep industry and it’s a great boost for our producers.

“This additional funding will enhance our comprehensive marketing and public relations Scotch Lamb PGI campaign, which is due to launch at the end of August.

“The eight-week campaign will spread the word to Scottish consumers about the quality, taste and versatility of Scotch Lamb – the perfect mid-week meal.”

Background
Scotch lamb is one of 15 protected Geographical Indicators under EU law.

 

MSP Joan McAlpine has hit out at David and Oliver Mundell for suggesting the Scottish Government should purchase the Pinneys site from Young’s – while the UK Tory government sits on the side-lines.

 

Commenting, the SNP MSP said:

“David Mundell is fond of telling people that ‘Scotland has two governments.’

 

“It is therefore astounding that he issued a press release with his MSP son this week demanding that the Scottish Government buy the Pinneys site, while his own UK government sits on the side-lines having spent not a single penny nor lifted a finger to help.”

Last week the Scottish Government announced a £250,000 grant to help regenerate Annan through an action plan, and a £6.6 million package to benefit Dumfries and Galloway College.

 

This is in addition to the action group, led by the Scottish Government and the council, set up to tackle the crisis within days of Young’s announcing its intention to consult on closing the site.

 

Ms McAlpine continued:

 

“Only last week the Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy, Fergus Ewing, was in Annan to open a very well attended jobs and opportunities event for workers.

 

“The Scottish Government’s PACE team (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) has been supporting Pinneys’ workers for months.

 

“Before Mr Ewing, the former Scottish business minister, Paul Wheelhouse made several trips to Annan and had several meetings with Young’s executives.

 

“Of course, we all wanted a different outcome, and are disappointed that despite all this activity, Young’s is closing the plant. But the Scottish Government has been active and has done its best.

 

“The UK government, of which Mr Mundell is a part, has done nothing- no visits from business ministers, no offers of funds, no activity whatsoever.

 

“The only part the Conservative UK government seem to have played in this terrible affair was giving Grimsby a substantial grant to move Young’s jobs there from Annan.”

 

Background

 

The £250,000 is part of the overall South of Scotland Economic Partnership (SOSEP) funding which awarded £7.68 million to projects across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. https://news.gov.scot/news/gbp-7-7-million-for-south-of-scotland-projects

 

Joan McAlpine MSP praised craftswomen from Dumfries and Galloway whose work was selected for the prestigious 2018 National Exhibition of the Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers on Friday.

 The UK wide exhibition opened at Strathclyde University and Ms McAlpine attended along with Margaret Vaughan, President of the Dumfries and Galloway Guild, who was also an organiser.

Original pieces from Dumfries and Galloway selected for the show included Fiona Moir’s hand dyed and woven tunic (pictured) and a number of tapestry items by Rita Corbett, including the Saltire that became the symbol of the exhibition. (pictured).

 

The selected items in the competitive section included a beret in suffragette colours, finely spun hand dyed silk scarves and intricate tapestries featuring people, birds, animals and architectural themes.

Hundreds  of examples of textile jewellery in the style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh were displayed in the open competition. 

 Also making a surprise appearance – though not in person – was the Castlemilk Moorit, a rare breed of sheep created by Sir Jock Buchanan Jardine on his Annandale estate more than a century ago. Wool from the Moorit featured as knitted bunting from breeds across the UK. 

Ms McAlpine has championed the textile industry in the region and last year hosted Sanquhar knitters in the Scottish Parliament. She said:

 “It was a pleasure to accompany Margaret to the exhibition this evening – she has done a lot for the arts and crafts community in Dumfries and Galloway as President of the branch of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers Guild  – as well as running one of the regions’ most successful small businesses ‘By Heck! Preserves’.

“The talent on show tonight was extremely impressive. Weaving, spinning and dyeing are an important part of our cultural heritage in Scotland and in Dumfries and Galloway – where many towns have a history of producing yarn and fabric. Langholm is of course known globally for its textiles, and the Sanquhar pattern is an instantly recognizable piece of our heritage. The whole of the South of Scotland was well represented, with the Suffragette hat being made by a member of Tweed Guild. 

“There is renewed interest in “making” and traditional skills among the young.  Such crafts take patience and skill but are extremely sustainable.  The guild offers workshops and support and a  chance to help each other and make friends. 

“I would encourage anyone with an interest to become involved with the Guild locally. “

 ENDS

Notes:

 Margaret Vaughan runs ‘By Heck! Preserves’ – named because she lives in Heck, and because her husband comes from ‘by ’eck’ country in Yorkshire. It sells a range of small-batch, traditionally cooked jams, jellies and chutneys, with an effort made to source fruit and vegetables locally. These are sold at farmers’ markets around Dumfries & Galloway (Langholm, Moffat, Lockerbie, Kirkcudbright), in local shops and in catering sizes to food-service, and small jars for wedding favours or holiday cottages.

 She is also President of Dumfries and Galloway Guild of Spinners , Weavers and Dyers.