For many of us, it was a long-anticipated return to Ingliston for the Royal Highland Show. After a two-year physical hiatus, many of us craved the banter, bacon butties and beers with friends old and new that the show provides.

To make the most of our membership coming together for the show, Women in Agriculture Scotland (WiAS) hosted a breakfast on the Thursday and was delighted to welcome over 200 guests. The event, which was kindly funded by the Scottish Government provided an opportunity for attendees to improve their confidence and skills, create a network of new contacts to support them with their endeavours and enable them to continue to positively contribute to Scotland’s rural economy.

A key aspect of the event were the workshops hosted by industry specialists. Moving around each table to give 10-minute talks, attendees were able to participate in a number of topics. Our sincere thanks go to:

  • Adam Davies and Hamish Logan from Savills speaking on diversification opportunities and breaking down the jargon and myths of carbon audits
  • Graeme Gass and Heather Bruce from Turcan Connell, speaking on wills and powers of attorney and succession to agricultural tenancies
  • Kim Lawrie and Sally Norrie from Johnston Carmichael speaking on understanding accounts and VAT
  • John Scott, Emily Grant and Emma Koubayssi speaking about the Farmstrong Scotland initiative
  • Emma Cowie and Georgia Donald from the Royal Bank of Scotland speaking on funding and businesses plans
  • Helen Tuohy, Kirsty Ritchie, and Anna Davies representing the ‘Be Your Best Self’ programme
  • Kerry Cowan from Skillseeder

Mairi McAllan MSP, Minister for Environment, Biodiversity and Land Reform, addressed the attendees recognising the important contribution that agriculture – and the people within the industry – make to Scotland’s economy.

Finally, the WiAS Committee would like to sincerely thank the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland and Scottish Government – along with all the supporting specialists and organisations – for making this event possible.

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Photos courtesy of Craig Stephen Photography