Key CAP talks to take place in London

Scottish cabinet secretary Richard Lochhead and Caroline Spelmen are set to discuss positions for vital EU CAP and CFP reforms.

Ensuring that the needs of Scotland’s farming and fishing industries are represented was paramount to discussions, Scotland’s cabinet secretary for Rural Affairs said.

The talks are due to take place in London.

He said "these once in a decade reforms will shape the future for our farmers, our fishermen, our rural communities and our local economies. They are absolutely crucial to Scotland and we must protect our interests both now and for future generations of Scottish farmers and fishermen.

"There are a lot of issues in these EU reforms where Scotland shares the same position as the UK, where our situations are similar, and where our industries need the same outcomes.

"However, there are also issues where Scotland and the UK have different views, where the make-up of our land, our seas and our industries are different, and therefore where we are seeking different outcomes.

"And it will be absolutely crucial when this is the case, that Scotland’s position is acknowledged in the negotiations. This meeting with the UK Government will give us a welcome opportunity to discuss further how best we do this."