Prince of Wales offers support to young Scots farmers on royal visit

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The Prince of Wales said it is important to break down any “taboos and stigmas around mental health” as he met young farmers in Angus to discuss rural isolation and loneliness.William took part in a roundtable event hosted by the Farm Safety Foundation, who work to address attitudes and behaviours to farm safety and poor mental health in future farmers.During the event on Thursday, February 6, at East Scryne Farm near Carnoustie in Angus, he met young farmers from the local area who are part of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs.The prince, who is known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, discussed issues such as the support available to farmers and the impact of social media in helping them stay connected with others.He told them: “I love the countryside and I love farming as well.

And I am conscious that it’s an area that needs maybe a little bit of support and understanding that there is access and support out there for young farmers, as well as making sure we are breaking down any taboos and stigmas around mental health.“Because I think in the farming world it’s maybe not talked about as much as in other sectors – and yet we know it exists.“So I particularly wanted to hear a little bit today about how all of you felt and hear it from the horse’s mouth whether we’re getting better at talking about it, whether you feel the support is out there, what your recollections and feelings are about rural isolation and mental health.”Viki Johnston, who farms with her family on the Glamis Castle estate and also works on a farm near Forfar, was delighted to meet the prince.She said: “He was really enthusiastic about young farmers and what we are doing as an association, and he seem really knowledgeable about the