Major farm show held as costs 'through the roof'

The north of Scotland's biggest agricultural show is taking place amid significant challenges to the farming industry.

The Black Isle Show at Muir of Ord has been held for more 180 years, and features livestock and equestrian competitions, as well as opportunities for businesses to showcase their products.

But Angela Aird, who farms near Cromarty, said increased costs in recent years, including higher interests rates in 2023, had put huge pressures on producers.

She told BBC Scotland News: "The costs of feed have gone through the roof, so people are borrowing more money and it has become harder and harder to justify those costs."

Ms Aird said farmers were faced with the challenge of staying in business while keeping prices of selling their cattle, sheep and crops affordable.

She said: "Not everyone is going to survive, I think, because they cannot afford to keep prices low."

The livestock farmer, who won top prizes at the Black Isle Show for her Dutch spotted sheep, said her own business was cutting costs by no longer raising cattle.

She said: "We are not getting the returns back for how much we've put in."

George McLaren, of Dingwall-based McLaren Tractors, said increased interest rates had adversely impacted his business and his customers.

He said: "The cost of all finance is going up.

"We used to be pricing equipment on a long-term finance deal potentially paying an APR rate of around 6% or 8%.

"At the moment long-term finance is between 11-12% for businesses."

Mr McLaren, who was exhibiting tractors and farm machinery at the show, said a tractor that cost £50,000 three years ago had now increased to about £70,000.

Derek Hanton, of SAC Consulting, said many farmers needed borrowing or hire purchase to stay in business.

He said: "There have been increases in costs of feed, fuel and fertiliser over the last few years.

"The last couple of years have had a major impact on the business and they are looking trying to tighten their belts and just ride the storm."

The Black Isle Show at Muir of Ord opened on Wednesday with events including show jumping, a vintage tractor parade and a dog agility display.

Thursday is the show's main day with horse, cattle and sheep exhibits and sheep-shearing competitions.

The Black Isle Show was expected to attract 25,000 people over its two days.

Black Isle Farmers' Society started its show more than 185 years ago as an event held on farms dotted across the peninsula.

Since the 1950s the show has been held in the village of Muir of Ord.

Over last 15 years the society has invested in improving the site with the laying of tarred roads and better toilets.

The show ground is close to where old drove roads, used for moving cattle across Scotland, met and a market was held.