MEP Offers Helping Hand on Argyll Croft

Mr Smith who is about to start two weeks of work experience is following up two days spent on farms in the last two years with a day on a croft.

The work experience has been arranged by the Scottish Crofting Association.

Speaking before he set off on his work experience Mr Smith said

"The day on the croft is my last day of work experience and comes immediately after I'll have spent a day on a farmers market, a day at the Three Chimneys on Skye and another at the Black Isle Show.

"As I've recently become Scotland's man on the European Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee I am focussing a lot of my experiences this year on food and rural issues.

"Crofting is a uniquely Scottish way of living and farming and is going through many changes. The best way for me to get to grips with all the issues, particularly European issues, affecting crofters in Scotland is to join a crofter for a day.

"I have no idea what I'll be made to do but I'm really looking forward to it. The last two farms I've been on have really put me to work and even though this will be my last day I'll be ready to put in a hard day's work."