ALMOST £200,000 has been shared out among projects aimed at raising awareness of agriculture in Scotland since the farmers' union launched its centenary fund last year.

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) Scotland's Centenary Trust was set up in February 2013 to mark the union's 100th anniversary.

It has raised £189,000 since then, with another £12,000 expected to roll in from the sale of specially-commissioned whisky and books, as well as a raffle and remittances due from regional events and Gift Aid.

The cash has been shared out among projects designed to teach children about where their food and drink comes from, as well as educating farmers on health and safety in the countryside and paying for agricultural apprenticeships.

Beneficiaries include Almond Valley Heritage Centre, West Lothian, which has some 120,000 visitors a year was awarded £1700 to buy a fibreglass 'milkable' cow during the latest round of donations.

NFU Scotland's Treasurer and Board member, George Lawrie said: "We set out to make a difference within the agricultural industry and to educate children about where their food comes from and to improve our health and safety record ,and l think we have definitely achieved this aim."