That is unfortunate, as it fails to recognise the part played by Dumfries and Galloway Council, its staff and Andrew Campbell, the council convenor at the time. I was deputy leader of the council and well remember the campaign base, “The Bunker”, which was located in the council offices. Council staff were heavily involved in the response and Andrew devoted months to the effort, liaising with affected farmers – something which took a considerable toll on him.
As a farmer myself, I empathised completely with those who lost stock. However, the damage extended well beyond the farming industry – the whole rural economy suffered. The countryside was effectively closed down and small retail businesses, particularly those in tourism, were hit hard and, unlike farmers, received no compensation.
Indeed, the whole experience provided a powerful lesson on the inter-connectedness of the rural economy – a lesson which, sadly, has still not been learned by many in the farming industry. There is an economy beyond the farm gate.
Joan Mitchell, Bagbie Farm, Newton Stewart
