RURAL Scotland could face a Brexit impact likened to ‘21st century Highland Clearances’, according to a new report by the Highlands and Islands Agriculture Support Group.
The report, looking at the impact of Brexit on Scottish agriculture, has warned that failure to provide financial support to farmers and crofters in the Highlands and Islands post-Brexit could accelerate declining agricultural activity and cause the workforce to shrink, leading to a modern version of the Highland Clearances.
Argyll and Bute MP Brendan O’Hara said: ‘Brexit is undoubtedly going to be the biggest challenge the Scottish farming industry has faced for generations, and this new report underlines the scale of the challenge.