Farmers to rally at Holyrood over funding and inheritance tax

NFU Scotland estimates that about 67,000 people in Scotland are directly employed in agriculture.

It says a further 360,000 are dependent on the sector.

The rally will see farming leaders raise a number of issues, including the UK government’s changes to the agricultural relief on inheritance tax.

Those concerned about the proposals include 26-year-old Aberdeenshire livestock farmer Nicola Wordie.

She hopes to become a third generation farmer – but says it is an incredibly worrying time for the whole family, including her dad George.

Nicola’s mum Margo died suddenly earlier this year – aged 59 – and she is concerned that the inheritance tax changes would mean that large amounts of land would have to be sold off for her to take control of the farm when the time comes.

Nicola says that would make it too small to farm profitably, adding: “It could be the end of this family farm as we know it.”