7 August 2018
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon attended the 154th annual Turriff Show in Aberdeenshire. It is the biggest agricultural show in the north east of Scotland.
She helped cook some lamb kebabs on a barbecue as she confirmed £200,000 funding for Qualityt Meat Scotland’s 2018 Scoth Lamb campaign.
FM @NicolaSturgeon was at @turriffshow and announced £200,000 funding for @qmscotland to promote Scottish lamb: https://t.co/3JWiDjKWp0 pic.twitter.com/HGhqz2nbgj
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) August 6, 2018
Scotch lamb is one of 15 protected Geographical Indicators in Scotland under EU law and the campaign will encourage people to buy Scotch lamb as part of their regular shopping.
While she was at the show, the First Minister also encouraged farmers to share their views on the future of rural funding in the event of Brexit.
She said:
The rural economy is vital to Scotland’s economic prosperity but Brexit remains the biggest threat to the industry and our interests are best served by remaining within the EU or Single Market and Customs Union.
“It is important we hear directly from those working in the rural sector so we can support them through the transition period after the UK leaves the EU so I would encourage those who will be affected to respond before the deadline.”
FM @NicolaSturgeon visited the #TuriffShow today and encouraged farmers to respond to the @scotgov paper on support for the rural economy after #Brexit: https://t.co/gWURiYCMoa
The consultation is open until the 15th August and we need your views : https://t.co/WBsuWkVYOB pic.twitter.com/iyVsrvSOOC
— Scot Gov Greener (@GreenerScotland) August 6, 2018
The First Minister then visited Tomintoul Discovery Centre to announce 25,000 more Highlands and Islands homes and businesses than originally planned will be able to access superfast broadband through the Digital Scotland roll out.
Announcement today by @ScotGovFM in #HIs highest fibre connected village #Tomintoul that @HIEScotland @ScotSuperfast @WeAreOpenreach broadband roll-out is reaching 25k more homes and businesses than initial contract target pic.twitter.com/N8i0Vzy9R2
— HIE Digital (@HIEdigital) August 6, 2018
The centre has recently undergone a £500,000 refurbishment, and is using latest technology to bring local history to life through virtual reality and 360 degree video work.
The First Minister said:
This is excellent news for the Highlands – delivering access to superfast broadband to more than 250 Highlands and Islands communities for the first time.
“The £146 milion project has passed its original targets and is providing opportunities for businesses and communities across the region to transform the way they work. The Tomintoul Discovery Centre is just one of the businesses now benefitting from superfast broadband and is an example of how they’ve used it to enhance their visitors’ experience.
“We will build on this success and our Reaching 100% programme, backed by £600 million, will deliver superfast broadband access to every home and business in Scotland by the end of 2021 – the only part of the UK to do so.”
25,000 more Highlands and Islands homes and businesses than originally planned will be able to access superfast broadband through the @ScotSuperfast roll out, FM @NicolaSturgeon announced at @TGDevTrust which is one of the businesses benefitting https://t.co/TnQlo149H3 pic.twitter.com/76C6nYRAAC
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) August 6, 2018
