We are marking the start of what would have been the 2020 Royal Highland Show by hearing from Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism, Fergus Ewing MSP. In a wide ranging conversation with RHASS chief executive Alan Laidlaw, the Cabinet Secretary:

- praises the Royal Highland Show as "the fulcrum of rural life in Scotland"
- describes his pride in Scotland's rural communities for their response to Coronavirus, saying farmers "have risen to the occasion"
- urges the UK government to protect farmers against "the flooding of cheaper imports" that would be illegal to produce here.

The first day of the Royal Highland Show, Thursday 18th June, is also National #KeepTalking Day from RSABI. This episode finishes with a call from RHASS president Bill Gray to #phone5 people, stressing the importance to all of staying socially connected, even though you won't see people in person at this year's Show.

Mentioned in this episode:

Meet OnFARM sponsors SkyeSkyns

SkyeSkyns is a traditional tannery, and luxury sheepskins and home accessories business on the Isle of Skye. The company are looking for crofters, breeders and farmers who breed native, rare, or heritage breed sheep, to supply skins for their tannery. This will mean they can hand-craft fully traceable sheep skins, and support producers by putting value back in to the sheep farming process. Find out more about joining the SkyeSkyns supplier network:

Skye Skins