Edinburgh bypass protest will see farmers take tractors on major road

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Farmers will mount a protest against planned changes to inheritance tax with tractors on Edinburgh city bypass tomorrow.NFU Scotland has organised the event as part of a weekend of action involving all four of the UK’s farming unions.It had been due to take place last Saturday, but was postponed to allow farmers to deal with the nationwide devastation caused by Storm Eowyn on Friday.Edinburgh Live reports that participants will gather at Old Craighall where they will travel to the Gogar roundabout before continuing their journey on the A1.

The event is due to kick off at 10am but it is understood they will only use the inside lane as to minimise disruption.The protest is against proposed UK Government changes to agricultural property relief, with a 20 per cent inheritance tax on farm businesses worth more than £1 million.The NFU argued that the lifting of the exemption threatened the viability of family farms across the country and said this will have a knock on effect on businesses up and down the UK supply chain.

The union added the event will also act as an opportunity for farmers and crofters to show their gratitude to the public for their support while also taking the opportunity to engage with politicians.The UK government plans to scrap an inheritance tax exemption for farms worth more the £1m and have dug their heels in despite opposition.

They said 75 per cent of farms across the country will not be impacted by the changes. Labour also claimed the proposal will only impact the wealthiest of farmers.Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.No one will be able to see who is