Scottish farmers stage tractor rallies against tax changes

Frustrated Scottish farmers took to the roads this weekend to protest against the UK government’s proposed inheritance tax changes, which they argue will jeopardise the viability of family farms across the country.

Tractor rallies organised took place across Scotland on 1 and 2 February, after being rescheduled due to the aftermath of Storm Eowyn, which forced farmers north of the border to abandon their plans for the NFU’s national day of unity on 25 January.

One of the biggest events saw farmers driving 100 tractors from Old Craighall, near Musselburgh, to the city’s Gogar roundabout and along Edinburgh’s A1 bypass.

See also: NFU holds day of unity to pressure government on IHT plans

The demonstrations were staged to highlight concerns over changes to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR), which could impose a 20% inheritance tax on agricultural assets valued over £1m from April 2026.

The protests were organised by NFU Scotland (NFUS) as part of a UK-wide campaign involving farming unions across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The rallies were designed not only to raise awareness about the impact of the proposed tax reforms but also to thank the public for their ongoing support for the farming community.

NFUS president Martin Kennedy said: “These events are a chance to send a loud and clear message to Westminster about the devastating impact these tax changes will have on our family farms, national food security, and the agricultural sector.

“It is crucial that we get these proposals reviewed and changed.”

NFUS argues that while the government claims the majority of farms will fall under the £1m tax relief cap, analysis shows that many farms in Scotland will be affected, further threatening their ability to pass down family businesses to the next generation.

Westminster lobbying

In Westminster, NFUS representatives met with MPs from all parties last Wednesday (29 January) to discuss the concerns of the farming community and press for proper consultation on the changes.

Mr Kennedy stressed that the proposed reforms could have serious consequences on the rural economy, farm employment, and food production in the UK.

“Farming families are already under significant pressure,” he said.

“This policy could push many over the edge. We need the government to take our concerns seriously and work with us on a fair solution.”

Iceland boss speaks out

Meanwhile, the boss of Iceland Foods, Richard Walker, has spoken out against the proposed farm inheritance tax, warning that the changes could force family-run farms out of business.

Mr Walker, a Labour supporter, told The Telegraph: “The Treasury is right to look at levelling the playing field on tax, but it has parked its tractor in the wrong place going after hard-working British farmers.

“Let’s stop messing around and make online sales tax reform the priority.

“High streets and farmers are the bedrock of this great country, we need to get behind them.”