Lochhead set for welcome on his return

Although the formal appointment will not come until later this week, Richard Lochhead, pictured, will be reappointed to his previous post as rural affairs and environment secretary of the Scottish Government.

His appointment was welcomed by farming industry leaders.

NFU Scotland president Nigel Miller said: "Over the past few years, he has shown a refreshing and genuine commitment to taking forward Scotland's food and farming sectors and it good news for both industries that he remains in the driving seat.."

The re-appointment was also endorsed Fife farmer John Cameron, a past-president of NFUS, who said the industry had been "fortunate'" to have been represented by Lochhead, who was "worthy of another term in office".

Angus McCall, the chairman of the Scottish Tenant Farmers Association, also welcomed the appointment.