BORDERS MSP Rachael Hamilton has been appointed shadow cabinet secretary for Rural Affairs and Tourism.

The move was announced this week following the election of Jackson Carlaw as Scottish Conservative party leader.

Following the unveiling of the new shadow cabinet, Mrs Hamilton said that her background as a farmer’s daughter from Herefordshire and years of experience as an agronomist stands her in good stead for the role.

The Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire member said: “I am delighted to be appointed to be the shadow cabinet secretary for Rural Affairs and Tourism; it is an opportunity I will relish.

“As a farmer’s daughter, with many years’ experience as an agronomist and running a small hotel, agriculture and tourism is in my blood.

“I know first-hand the hours and hard work farmers put in, and they rightly should be rewarded for their efforts as the custodians of the countryside.

“Day to day in my constituency, and across Scotland, I have seen how the SNP continually let down our farmers.

“Rural crime, poor broadband and a lack of farm grants all exacerbate the problems of rural Scotland.

“Hardworking farmers want to grow their farm businesses and encourage the next generation to take the reins, but we see an SNP Government not fully supporting the sector."