As we approach the 2026 Holyrood election, the Countryside Alliance invited parties to write an article for our website setting out their vison for rural Scotland.
Here is the response from the Scottish Conservative and Unionist party spokesperson for Rural Affairs, Tim Eagle:
My name is Tim Eagle, and I am the Scottish Conservative and Unionist spokesperson for Rural Affairs. I am proud to live and work in rural Scotland. During my time as a sheep farmer here in Buckie in Moray and as a land agent, I have seen first-hand the challenges rural communities face.
Too often, though, rural Scotland has been let down by a government that feels detached from the reality that faces our rural communities, and that, for me, applies across areas such as land reform, agriculture, fishing, transport, health and more.
But the Scottish Conservatives have consistently stood up for rural Scotland at Holyrood, working with rural organisations like the Countryside Alliance to put forward practical and common sense alternatives to the wide range of new laws being brought in.
In our manifesto for the Scottish Parliament election coming up on May the seventh, we are continuing that approach. The first thing we would do is to provide an immediate 50 million uplift to support farmers and land managers who are facing rising costs right now. We would also introduce multiyear funding deals to give farmers and land managers the certainty they need to invest and grow their businesses, as well as working to reduce red tape.
We are also clear about the importance of countryside management and rural traditions. Shooting is a vital part of our rural economy. It supports jobs, tourism and local businesses, and those involved have deep knowledge of our landscapes and communities. I and the Scottish Conservative Party strongly support those involved in field sports, and we make it clear in our manifesto, our commitment to you.
But we will go much further with new policies that support the rural economy, that provide housing, that fight rural crime and strengthen support for all the rural industries, forestry and land managers.
Rural Scotland and everyone who lives and works there will always be a priority for me and the Scottish Conservatives. You can help us, though, by using your peach vote for the Scottish Conservatives to ensure your voice is always front and centre in the Scottish Parliament, with MSPs who will always listen to and understand you.
Tim Eagle is the Scottish Conservative and Unionist spokesperson for Rural Affairs.