Snow damage help

THE Scottish Government moved last night to co-ordinate help for the 200 or so farmers whose buildings either collapsed or suffered other major damage during the recent severe weather with a new short-life working group being set up to consider how those affected can be helped.

After meeting with farming organisations earlier this week, to discuss the impact of the weather, rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead decided co-ordinated action was needed.

The working group will be made up of industry bodies, technical experts and insurers and will be chaired by Scotland's chief agricultural officer, Drew Sloan. It is expected to report its initial findings by 28 January.