Rural Britain is a wonderful assortment of farms, estates, hamlets, villages, forests and moors, lochs and valleys. Our stunning scenery, close communities and wonderful rural businesses provide an idyllic lifestyle for many, but rural life can also throw up some pretty unique challenges.
The Rural Scene (the Scene & Herd rural blog and news updates) looks at what’s new, what’s relevant, what’s tasty, what’s fun and what’s challenging about life in the Great British Countryside. We offer an insider insight into rural Britain, highlighting some of the exceptional people, businesses and innovations we believe that everybody should know about.
Scottish farmers are warning that the UK’s food security is under serious threat following a UK Government decision to remove Skilled Worker code 5111, effectively blocking farms from recruiting skilled overseas workers. The change, introduced on 22 July 2025, has taken skilled farm roles off the Temporary Shortage List, leaving dairy, pig, poultry and horticultural producers struggling to fill vital jobs. In Dumfries & Galloway alone, more than 25 dairy farms depend on staff from the Philippines and other nations to keep operations running.
READ MOREIn August 2025, Roger Baird concluded his three-year tenure as SOPA Chairman Roger has had a significant influence on the organisation, bringing about financial stability, enhanced membership services, and a strategic plan that provides clear direction for the next five years. Following five years as a board director, Jean McLean has recently been appointed as the new Chairperson and has already hit the ground running, supporting the team and the board.
READ MOREDid you catch our client, Rory Christie of Dourie Farming Company, in a recent feature in The Scottish Farmer? His story, 'Farming, Family and Wellbeing in Scotland', was a reminder of how important it is to look after yourself in business.Rory shared three key tips that apply to all of us, no matter what we do:
READ MOREThis week, I was reminded of something that one of my favourite clients once said to me. I was approached by a cheesemaker asking if I might be willing to work with them on their PR and Marketing.
READ MORESometimes, the most challenging conversations happen closest to home. In the unique world of farming, rural, and land-based businesses, disagreements can quickly become deeply personal, impacting not just livelihoods but also family dynamics and community relationships.
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Anna Davies: Email: anna@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
Ross (Monty) Montague: Email: monty@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
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