Salmond heaps praise on success of Turriff Show

Published on Sunday 1 August 2010 17:20

FIRST Minister Alex Salmond has hailed the continued success of one of Scotland's regional shows in supporting the rural economy.

Opening a new exhibition hall at the Turriff Show, Mr Salmond said: "The show continues to go from strength to strength and it is a real pleasure to witness another wonderful and varied showcase of all that is great about the rural economy in the North-east.

"The new exhibition hall marks a major investment for this charitable organisation and it has been supported by Aberdeenshire Council through the Leader programme, which brings together Scottish Government and European funding."

Mr Salmond said the new facility was testament to "the ambition, confidence and growing success of the Turriff Show and the wider community".

The hall has already been used for local events, including a young farmers rally.

Mr Salmond said: "In the past three years sales of Scottish food and drink brands across Great Britain have risen by 30 per cent, increasing the value of sales by 425 million. At the same time, sales of Scottish produce in Scotland increased by 22 per cent.

"Our Year of Food and Drink aims to drive that forward that success story further still and the Turriff Show provides a fantastic showcase of quality Scottish fare."

Bruce Ferguson, Secretary of the Turriff District Agricultural Association, said: "The Turriff Show is the shop window for agriculture in the North-east of Scotland, with some of the best livestock in the country competing for the honours.

"Over 300 trade stands at the show help promote the agricultural industry, which plays a major role in the north-east economy.

"The association is also proud to be supporting the 'Scotland's Year of Food and Drink' initiative and to have such an excellent range of local food and drink stands at the show."