THE Scottish Tenant Farmers Association (STFA) is writing to the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy Fergus Ewing to intervene in the impending eviction of a farming family on the Isle of Arran.
John Paterson is one of the tenants caught up in the aftermath of the Salvesen Riddell case, and in five weeks' time, on November 28, faces being forced to leave the 5,000 acre hill farm where his family have been tenants for over 20 years.
The Salvesen Riddle case centred on an amendment to legislation that was subsequently challenged and pronounced defective by the UK Supreme Court in 2013, which is now leading to the eviction of the tenants involved. The Court also ordered the Scottish Government to rectify the situation through a Remedial Order.
John Paterson and his brother Ian have been trying to negotiate a new lease with their landlord Charles Fford, owner of Arran Estates, but in a meeting last Monday, he made it plain he wants the tenancy brought to an end. The brothers have now decided to appeal to the public for support.
Commenting on the situation STFA director, Angus McCall said: "In common with the other tenants affected by the Salvesen Riddell Remedial Order, the Patersons are not only victims of bad law, but they have been let down by the failure of the mediation process promised by the Government which could have helped them remain in the farm, and is now essential to allow them to achieve a satisfactory end-of-tenancy settlement.
"Time is running out for the Patersons and the Government must not wait till the last minute before acting, as was the case a year ago with Andrew Stoddart's eviction from Coulstoun Mains."
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The Scottish Government is committed to facilitating and funding mediation between tenant farmers and their landlords.
“Ministers are unable to comment on live litigation.”
Market round-up
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 8 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 227.5p per kg and an average of 182.2p.
There were 73 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows sold to 123p and an average of 102.1p, while dairy cows peaked at 103p and levelled at 76.9p.
The firm also sold 1139 prime lambs to a top of £84 per head and 176p per kg to average 154.5p (-11p on the week).
The 784 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £88.50 for Texels and average £54.95 (64p), while light ewes peaked at £54.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £37.16 (-£2.23).
Messrs Craig Wilson sold 589 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £80 and 175p to average 154p (-10.1p).
There were also 263 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £100 for Texels and £44.50 for Blackfaces. ENDS
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