Following the announcement that Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, has died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years, NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy issued the following short statement:
“NFU Scotland joins the nation in mourning Her Majesty the Queen.
“Over many decades, she has given exceptional service and dedication to the UK and the Commonwealth, and millions will feel a deep and profound loss at her passing.
“Here in Scotland, we fondly remember her long-standing enthusiasm and support for farming, rural life, and the countryside as well as her patronage and visits to the Royal Highland Show.
“Her lifelong association with Royal Deeside and the estate at Balmoral, famed for its Highland cattle and Highland ponies, often saw the Queen, accompanied by the Royal family, enjoy rural Scotland at its finest.
“She was an excellent livestock breeder.
“In this memorable jubilee year, Her Majesty saw her Highland bull Gusgurlach of Balmoral, win top prize at the Royal Highland Show for the second year in a row.
“Her Highland Pony stud at Balmoral has also been hugely influential in securing the future of this iconic Scottish breed.
“Her service to farming and rural communities up and down the country will not be forgotten and many farmers, crofters and landowners will be able to reflect on the role they recently played in marking Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee by supporting the nationwide network of beacons lit this summer to mark the occasion or participating in the Queen’s Green canopy tree-planting initiative which will grow into a fitting legacy to an exceptional monarch.”
