Scottish farmers rally in force against ‘family farm tax’
© Lorna Paterson More than 200 tractors rolled through north-east Scotland in a powerful protest against the UK government’s proposed “family farm tax”, which farmers warn could devastate rural communities.
The North East Tractor Rally, organised by a group of local farmers, assembled at the Thainstone Agricultural Centre near Inverurie on Thursday 19 December before travelling along the A96 to Aberdeen.
The event, led by Aberdeenshire farmers Scott Campbell, Russell Rennie, Paddy Donald and Kevin Gilbert, was a show of defiance against Labour’s plans to tax combined business and agricultural assets exceeding £1m at 20% starting in April 2026.
See also: Farmers plan to ramp up protests against farm tax raid
© Scottish Conservatives
Farmers argue the policy will jeopardise the future of family farms and agricultural livelihoods across the country.
Harriet Cross, Scottish Conservative MP for Gordon and Buchan, addressed the rally, voicing the frustrations of the farming community.
“The emphatic message was loud and clear – we won’t stop,” she said. “Labour’s family farm tax could decimate our rural communities.
“This cruel policy would mark the end of many family farms and wipe out a significant number of the next generation of farmers.”
Food bank donations
© Lorna Paterson
Organisers highlighted the rally’s dual purpose: to protest against the inheritance tax plans and to give back to the community.
Farmers collected food bank donations for the Trussell Trust Aberdeen North Foodbank, with high-demand items such as UHT milk, pasta sauce, and tinned vegetables topping the list.
Farmer Scott Campbell praised the rally’s turnout and community support.
“Superb turnout at the rally – over 200 tractors joined, and the public support was incredible. Let’s build on today’s success and keep the momentum going,” he said.
NFU Scotland regional manager Lorna Paterson encouraged solidarity.
“This is about securing the future for our next generation of farmers and standing against Westminster’s horrendous budget changes. Every voice matters in this fight,” she said.