Inspiring Events For Women In Agriculture

12th March 2018

Women working in Scottish agriculture are invited to the series of free events.

Event in Caithness -

27 March (11am): Ulbster Arms Hotel, Halkirk, Caithness - Diversification Opportunities

See full list below.

A series of free events offering inspiration and advice for women working in Scottish agriculture has been announced.

The women-only events, which will take place from the Borders up to Orkney, have been organised by the Scottish Government's Farm Advisory Service (FAS) programme, which is delivered by specialists from SAC Consulting, part of Scotland's Rural College (SRUC).

Taking place from 13-28 March, they will cover a range of topics, from accounts and mental health awareness to diversification opportunities and even the role of social media.

Announced to coincide with International Women's Day on Thursday 8 March, the events follow research by the Scottish Government’s Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division (RESAS).

Last summer’s report, entitled Women in Farming and the Agriculture Sector, highlighted the major role women play in Scottish agriculture and recommended a series of measures to address the "conscious and unconscious bias" within the industry.

SRUC Principal Wayne Powell, who sits on the Scottish Government’s Women in Agriculture taskforce, said: "I am delighted that SRUC is able to support the Scottish Government’s Women in Agriculture initiative through these events. We will continue to work tirelessly both internally and externally to support these initiatives, which are crucial to the future of Scottish agriculture."

Siobhan Macdonald from SRUC, who helped to co-ordinate the events, said: "Women working in Scottish agriculture face a number of challenges but there are also many opportunities available. These free events are a great chance for women to find out more about these opportunities, to learn, to share ideas and to be inspired by a range of speakers and interactive sessions."

Event programme:

13 March (11am): Carfraemill Hotel, Borders - Understanding Accounts and Business Planning

14 March (11am): New Lanark Hotel, Lanark - Understanding Accounts and Business Planning

15 March (7.30pm): Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall, Orkney – Mental Health and IACS Topics

16 March (10.30am): Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall, Orkney – Mental Health and IACS Topics

20 March (11am): The Craigellachie Hotel, Craigellachie, Morayshire – Food and Drink Diversification Opportunities

21 March (11am): Banchory Lodge, Banchory, Aberdeenshire – Diversification Opportunities

23 March (1.45pm): Inveraray Inn, Argyll – Livestock Records and Accounts

26 March: Inverness (venue TBC) – IACS and Grants and Social Media in Farming

27 March (11am): Ulbster Arms Hotel, Halkirk, Caithness – Diversification Opportunities

28 March (11am): Northern Hotel, Brechin – Diversification Opportunities

The events are free but places must be booked in advance. To find out more and to book a place, go to https://www.fas.scot/news/wia/

Alternatively, call the FAS helpline on 0300 323 0161