Ringlink Handbook 2020

MEMBERS HANDBOOK 2019 2019 2020General Meeting Annual Annual General Meeting

Ringlink (Scotland)Ltd Ltd Ringlink (Scotland) & & Ringlink ServicesLtd Ltd Ringlink Services

Venue:- Thainstone Centre, Inverurie 04 December 2019 Venue:- Thainstone Centre, Inverurie 04 December 2019 Porter House Meet Directors & Staff - 11.45am HotPorter LunchHouse - 12.15pm Meet Directors & Staff - 11.45am Hot AGM Lunch–- 1.15pm 12.15pm In Glen Garioch Room AGM – 1.15pm In Glen Gariochadvise Roomyour attendance to For Catering purposes please laurencekirk@ringlinkscotland.co.uk For Catering purposes please your 377790 attendance to Or Telephone Evelynadvise on 01561 laurencekirk@ringlinkscotland.co.uk NB – Any Or Nominations for new Directors must beon received by the Laurencekirk Telephone Evelyn 01561 377790Office in writing by the 27 November 2019 NB – Any Nominations for new Directors must be received by the Laurencekirk Office in writing by the 27 November 2019

The Ring Option Compare the Machinery Ring option to owning a machine or relying on a specific contractor.

OPTION 01

OPTION 02

OPTION 03

Ownership: the preferred option but…

Use a Contractor / Neighbour but...

The best option – rely on Ringlink…

• When will they get finished with their own crops?

• Do I have enough acres to justify it?

• Do I have the staff to operate it?

• A large choice of suppliers

• A large choice of machines • A replacement if a breakdown occurs

• Will they honestly tell me when they will arrive?

• What about unexpected breakdowns?

• What about unexpected breakdowns?

• Can I finance it?

• Will I be charged a fair rate?

• Fair Rates • Multiple machines available • New system evaluation • Third party arbitration • A chance to earn extra income yourself • Large organisation • Save ££’s

Speak to Ring users and you will find that it is the next best thing to ownership with almost all the advantages but none of the disadvantages.

2

CONTENTS Welcome

4

Meet the board

6

Meet the team

8

A BRIEF HISTORY OF RINGLINK

10

2019 stats at a glance

12

HOW WE OPERATE

14

Services and Price Lists

15

PLOUGHING/CULTIVATING /SEEDING

17

SPRAYING/FERTILISING

19

FORAGING/WRAPPING/BALING

21

CEREAL HARVESTING/BALING

23

ROOT CROP/VEGETABLE SERVICES

25

ROOT CROP/VEGETABLE SERVICES

27

TRACTORS /LOADERS /FORKLIFTS / ROAD HAULAGE

29

NATIONAL LIVING WAGE & WORKPLACE PENSIONS LAND-BASED PRE-APPRENTICESHIP

52 54

PRE-APPRENTICESHIP GRADUATION

56

PRE-APPRENTICESHIP OUTCOMES

57

ringlink services

60

TRAINING COURSES INDEX

61

E-LEARNING

90

TRAINING INSTRUCTOR PROFILE

93

DRIVING AGE RESTRICTIONS

97

GENERAL HAULAGE GUIDE

101

AGRICULTURAL VEHICLES... IT’S THE LAW

105

supporting the community

110

UTILITIES

116

USEFUL INFORMATION

121

MUCK/SLURRY SPREADING & LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT

31

SECURE YOUR NITROGEN FERTILISERS 121

MISCELLANEOUS/MAINTENANCE

33

COMMODITIES

35

FARMS WOODLANDS... INCOME TO BE MADE

123

NEAR MISS REPORTING

124

MIND YOUR HEAD

127

labour/professional services

37

LABOUR SOLUTIONS

38

LABOUR INDUCTIONS

41

EMPLOYING YOUNG PEOPLE

42

ILLEGAL WORKERS

44

MODERN SLAVERY

48

GANGMASTERS & LABOUR ABUSE AUTHORITY (GLAA)

50

HEALTH & SAFETY

3

128

METHOD OF OPERATION

134

DIARY OF EVENTS

140

GDPR

143

NOTE OF THANKS

147

CONVERSION CHART

148

WELCOME Welcome to the 2020 handbook As we enter a new decade, one thing we now know for sure is that change is inevitable and after 47 years of cohabiting with the European Union (EU) and following the referendum in June 2016 when 17.4 million people opted for Brexit, 4 years later the UK finally ceased being a member of the EU at 11pm on 31st January 2020.

Whether you voted to Leave or Remain, the decision has been made and every business will face its own challenges which may be in relation to labour, reducing overheads or just ensuring the business remains financially viable – there is no doubt that co-operative thinking is increasingly relevant and can offer some long-term solutions for the challenges that lie ahead.

Last year was another record-breaking year for Ringlink with significant increases in Commodity Trading, Electricity Contracts and Labour Supply. The diversity of the business today sees over 89,000 transactions processed yearly.

Our Utilities division had a 42% turnover increase in the year mainly through a surge in Electric sales to an electrifying £5.57m and remains a key growth area for the business, as we expand our contract offering to now include water and mains gas where available.

The biggest challenge during last years’ harvest was securing sufficient equipment and labour to meet our members’ requirements. Throughout 2018/19 we averaged 346 workers out daily, peaking at 550 during the harvest period which involves considerable management by the labour teams and it has become increasingly more problematic for them in these uncertain times. The labour shortage is an increasing problem for the industry, particularly with less migrant workers attracted to the UK. As a co-operative we have a responsibility to campaign and speak out on the issues that matter to our members which we always endeavour to do.

Over the last 24 months your new Chairman, James Porter has been actively working with various government agencies to secure an increase in the number of migrant workers allowed to enter the UK. Following the Governments new pilot (SAWS) scheme which allowed only 2,500 seasonal workers from outside the EU to enter the country in 2019, the allowance has been increased to 10,000 workers for 2020, however this quota is still nowhere near the levels which the industry demands. I can assure you that we continue to campaign for increased quotas to help alleviate the labour shortages, various meetings with government officials have taken place and are ongoing. Failure to achieve additional volumes will have a serious impact on member businesses resulting in cut backs or indeed the winding up of some labour-intensive enterprises. We encourage you the members to lobby your politicians at every opportunity and let them know how hard it is to secure the workforce you require to operate your businesses.

With considerable year-on-year growth and increasing staff levels required to support the business, an expansion of our head office at Laurencekirk commenced on the 3rd September 2019. The expansion is a significant one, doubling the size of our current facilities which will enable us to continue operating efficiently whilst future proofing the business for the foreseeable years ahead. The build should be complete for opening in July 2020.

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The Laurencekirk expansion will support the continued growth of Ringlink Services and our Training division. Due to the lack of training assessors within the industry and the lack of training providers within niche areas, there is considerable scope to expand our offering across various industries.

The Pre-Apprenticeship programme continues to thrive, with a successful first year of the pilot rollout to the regions of the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway in addition to the Highlands.

A total of 37 pre-apprentices enrolled on the pilot programme in 2019, following funding support from Scottish Government, with 29 trainees successfully graduating in February. The graduation held at the Dewar Centre in Perth was a great event and extremely rewarding to recognise the pre-apprentices’ achievements. With 65% of youngsters progressing on to Modern Apprenticeships in Agriculture and the majority securing either full-time employment or going on to college - the outcomes are very encouraging.

The key challenge that remains as the pre-apprenticeship continues to grow is sourcing sufficient mentor businesses who are in a position to offer 6 months work for these youngsters, it is vital that industry steps up and offers young people the chance to develop their skills, if we are to have the multi-skilled workforce that the industry requires for the future. I urge you all to consider whether you can offer a young person a placement and if so, please enquire for further details. To the mentors who have offered placements over the last 7 years we are indebted to you, if you had not offered these placements, the programme would not have flourished.

It would be remiss of me if I didn’t mention our new office in Cupar, Fife which opened on the 21st January 2020. As with all offices, a full range of services is available but we are particularly focused on offering labour, utilities and training provision to the region. The Board of Directors did not make the decision lightly to open our fifth regional office but as our membership in Fife grew over the last 3 years (as facilitated by the Coupar Angus office) it made sense to be based in Fife, so that we could truly offer a local service to our members.

Finally I’d like to thank the entire team for their continued hard work and to my fellow Board of Directors for their commitment to being the greatest ambassadors for our co-operative, together we strive to strengthen all aspects of the business, with a focus on providing additional value and services that are in the best interests of our membership.

Graham Bruce Managing Director

5

MEET THE BOARD JAMES PORTER CHAIRMAN James farms East and West Scryne, Carnoustie with his father where they keep cattle and sheep, grow potatoes, barley, wheat, beans and soft fruit. James and his family are no strangers to this lifestyle; they have been farming for at least five generations and growing strawberries since the 1960’s. James is a grower member of Angus Soft Fruits and Angus Growers. James is currently Chairman of NFUS Horticulture Committee and an ambassador of the Royal Highland Education Trust, whilst being a Director of Ringlink since 2008.

GRAHAM BRUCE

PETER CHAPMAN

MANAGING DIRECTOR Graham started his career on a 700 acre mixed arable farm at Arbroath and in 1979 took up the position of working farm manager with a progressive farming enterprise in South Angus, a position held for nine years before being appointed manager of Mearns & Angus Machinery Ring Ltd in 1988, becoming Managing Director in 1995. Graham was a Council member of SAOS for 6 years and continues to represent SAOS on the NFUS Legal & Technical committee engaging in a wide range of industry related issues. This led to a further appointment representing NFUS on the board of the Gangmaster Licensing Authority, a position held for eight years until the reorganisation of the GLA Board in 2015.

VICE CHAIRMAN Peter farms 430 Ha at South Redbog, Strichen with his wife Grace and three daughters, Trudy, Louise and Katie.

Arable production forms the main part of the business with 340 Ha managed on a winter barley, oilseed rape, wheat and a spring barley rotation. He also has 70 suckler cows with all progeny finished on farm, capacity for 34,000 point of rear pullets and owns and operates four 800 kW wind turbines. Peter has been a Ringlink director since Feb 2012 and has also been a director of the RNAS, RHASS and has held positions at AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds.

DAVID PATE

JOHN FARQUHARSON

DIRECTOR David farms at Kincreich Farm south of Forfar. It is a three generation family farming business. The cropping includes wheat for the distilling market, winter barley for own use, oilseed rape, spring malting barley and seed potatoes for export and the UK. Raspberries, vining peas and swedes are also grown.

Store cattle are purchased and taken through to slaughter. There is a property rental part to the business with commercial and residential properties. With his interest in renewables, David has two wind turbines, an air source heating system, a solar pv array and has joined with a neighbour to start installing and supplying a super-fast rural broadband.

DIRECTOR John has been a Director of Ringlink since 2004 following the merger with Gordon & Buchan and is also a Director of the ANM Group. In partnership with his wife and two sons, John farms Farquharson Farms at Darley Farm, Turriff, grow mostly cereals with a herd of suckler cows.

John also has a retail business called J F Supplies which specializes in liquid storage tanks, fuelling systems and Otopost creosote fencing materials.

6

diverse business which now includes haulage, construction, and forestry together with a variety of other business activities.

As a co-operative the business is owned by its members, and therefore, revolves around the supply and demands of goods and services between its members. As a co-operative, it’s not just a case of “what we can do for you”, it’s “what can we do for each other”.

Board of Directors

MARTIN CESSFORD DIRECTOR Martin farms in partnership with his Andrew Moir David Pate brother at Whanland Farm, Farnell Chairman Vice Chairman which his father started in 1946. The farm grows all arable combine crops, potatoes, carrots, beetroot and rhubarb. Martin is involved in R &N Cessford Haulage and Angus Horticulture which supplies amenity fertilisers with bagging & distribution plants at Polmood and Dundee. Martin has been a Director of Ringlink since 1989 and is a member and Director of Grampian Growers while also serving as a committee member for NFU (Angus) and NFU Field & Veg for Scotland. Martin Cessford Michael Macaulay Director Director

MICHAEL MACAULAY DIRECTOR Mike has been a Director of Ringlink since 2004 following the merger with Gordon & Buchan. Mike is founder and Chairman of GPH Builders Merchants Ltd established over 30 years ago which has branches in Inverurie, Westhill and Stonehaven. Mike is also Chairman of Findlay, Glover & Macaulay Ltd; Vice Chairman of ANM and has a small farm on the outskirts of Aberdeen.

Graham Bruce Managing Director

James Porter Director

John Farquharson Director

CLIVE PHILLIPS DIRECTOR Clive is an accredited specialist agricultural lawyer who heads the Land and Rural Business team at Brodies LLP. Clive also farms in his own right having built his farm business from grass lets on a local estate Cliveup Phillips Peter Chapman Andrew Stirling as a youngsterDirector to approx.300 acres which he owns Director Director and runs with his wife Liz, and children Calum and Pippa. He is very much hands-on with his arable and sheep enterprises and runs 350 north-country cheviot ewes supplying Tesco’s finest range through McIntosh Donald. Clive has been a Director with Ringlink since 2014 and also sits on various legal and technical committees for NFUS; Scottish Land & Estates and is also a farmer director of Angus Cereals grain cooperative.

ANDREW STIRLING DIRECTOR Andrew Stirling is Managing Director of Stirfresh, a family business run with his wife Anita and four children. Located in Angus, with over five decades of farming experience, this business has evolved to meet the demands of Aldi, Lidl, Public Sector and private sector.

As growers, processors and packers of potatoes, fruit and vegetables are grown on the 430 acres farm all year round, providing full time employment for 60 people.

JANE CRAIGIE DIRECTOR Jane is a Chartered Marketer with over 25 years’ experience in marketing within the agri-food sector. She is a member of the executive board of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists and the council of the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists. Jane sits on the board for Lantra, is a co-founder of the Rural Youth Project, and a Director of Ringlink since 2019.

Andrew has been a Director with Ringlink since 2011.

7

Laurencekirk OLDMEL

LAUREN Ringlink (Scotland) (Scotland)Ltd Ltd COUPAR Ringlink MEET inkTHE (Scotland)Laurencekirk Ltd ELGIN Laurencekirk OLDME Laurencekirk TEAM Ringlink (Scot

Unit 2, Co

Cargill Ce Meadows

Moycroft

Graham Bruce Graham Anderson Bruce Anderson Tom Vicky EassonBruce Graham BruceVickyGraham Managing Director Labour ManagerDirector Electricity Regional Manager Managing Labour Manager Electricity Administrator Administrator

Unit 2, Co

COUPAR

Meadows

Graham Bruce Graham Anderson Vicky Bruce Graham Bruce Bruce Managing DirectorGraham LabourAnderson Manager Vicky Electricity Managing Director Labour Manager Electricity Administrator Administrator Vicky Bruce Tom Easson Jennifer Pearson Electricity Regional Manager Electricity Contracts Administrator Co-ordinator

Louise Thow Tindal David Stewart Andrew Louise Thow Co-ordinator Area Manager Animal Feed ManagerFeed Regional Area Manager Area Animal AreaManager Manager & Straw Trader & Straw Trader

K K

D D

SCOTT WALKER

S CC S

Graham Bruce

MARK JONES

GIL I N NL N NG

Graham Anderson Vicky Bruce

JENNIFER PEARSON

RI

K

D

Andrew Tindal Regional Manager

SC

AreaManager Manager Area

O T AN L

Admin Admin JOHN SINGER

GAIL ROBERTSON

DAVID STEWART

GRAHAM ANDERSON

GROUP OPERATIONS MANAGER

ANIMAL FEED & STRAW TRADER

LABOUR MANAGER

Admin

John Singer Evelyn Coates AREA MANAGER Area Manager Admin Manager

EvelynCoates Coates Evelyn AdminManager Manager Admin

ANN BRUCE

AnnBruce Bruce Ann Secretary Secretary

JILL FORBES

Jill Forbes ADMIN ASSISTANT

Admin Assistant

Keira Coates Forbes Keira Coates JillJill Forbes Accounts Assistant Admin Admin Assistant Accounts Assistant Assistant

ALISON WALKER

Alison Walker ADMIN ASSISTANT Admin Assitant

SUSAN GAMMIE

Mandy Lyon ADMINAssitant ASSISTANT Admin

Ringlink RinglinkServices Services RINGLINK SERVICES T: 01561 Peter376000 Wood Training Manager Ringlink Services Evelyn Coates Admin Manager

PETER WOOD Peter PeterWood Wood

BRYCE ELGIN TRACEY WALKER Bryce Tracey Walker BryceElgin Elgin Tracey Walker TRAINING MANAGER TRAINING CO-ORDINATOR Training Manager Assistant Training Training Training Manager ASSISTANT Assistant Training TRAINING Training Manager Co-ordinator MANAGER Manager Co-ordinator Tracey Walker Training Co-ordinator

Admin

EVELYN COATES

Hugh Thomson Training Co-ordinator

Debbie Henderson Training Co-ordinator

HUGHThomson THOMSON Hugh Hugh Thomson TRAINING CO-ORDINATOR Training Training Co-ordinator Co-ordinator

KEIRA COATES

Alison Walker Alison Walker Admin Assitant Admin Assitant

Ringlink Serv R Admin

Mandy Lyon Mandy Lyon Admin Assitant Admin Assitant

GEMMA CUMMINGS

DOREEN PATERSON

ADMIN ASSISTANT

ADMIN ASSISTANT

Bryce PeterElgin Wood

Assistant Training Training Manager

Ann Bruce Manager Secretary

Tracey Bryce Walker Elgin Training Assistant Training

Keira Coates Co-ordinator Manager

Accounts Assistant

8

Training Manager

Hugh ThoW Tracey Training Training Da Sen Admin Ass

Jill Forbes Co-ordina Co-ordin

Ringlink Servi

DEBBIEHenderson HENDERSON Caroline CAROLINE DONALDSON Debbie Donaldson Debbie Henderson Caroline Donaldson TRAINING CO-ORDINATOR Training HR & TRAINING CO-ORDINATOR Training Training Training Co-ordinator Co-ordinator Co-ordinator Co-ordinator

Caroline Donaldson Training Co-ordinator

Peter Wood

J E C

David Stewart Louise Keira Thow Andrew Tindal Coates Jill Forbes Ann Bruce Keira Co Evelyn Ann BruceASSISTANT FINANCE &Coates COMPLIANCE ACCOUNTS Animal Feed Area Manager Regional Manager Accounts Admin As Secretary Account Admin Manager SecretaryAssistant MANAGER & Straw Trader

ADMINISTRATION TEAM T: 01561 377790

Keira Coates SECRETARYAssistant Accounts

Tom Easson

CAROLINE GODSMAN

Managing Director Labour Manager Electricity Regional Manager GLMANAGER I N Andrew David Stewart Louise Thow Andrew Tindal IT & Stewart BUSINESS SENIOR AREA ELECTRICITY CONTRACTS Administrator UTILITIES MANAGER ELECTRICITY CONTRACTS N David Louise Thow Tindal DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Area Manager AnimalFeed Feed Regional Manager CO-ORDINATOR CO-ORDINATOR Animal Area Manager Regional Manager OO StrawTrader Trader LNA N &&Straw TT LA

JohnSinger Singer MANAGING John DIRECTOR

Louise Thow Area Manager

g

ANDREW TINDAL

GRAHAM BRUCE

Jennifer Pearson Jennifer Pearson

Regional Manager Electricity Contracts Contracts Regional Manager Electricity T: 01561 377790 John Singer Co-ordinator DavidJohn Stewart Singer

RI RI

LAURENCEKIRK

Tom Easson Tom Easson

Laurencekirk

Da Se

Bryce Elgin

Assistant Training

Tracey Walker Training

Hugh Thom Training

rk Laurencekirk ELDRUM

Colpy Way, Colpy Ind. Estate, Old OLDMELDRUM Meldrum AB51 0BZ 01651 873602 Unit 2, Colpy Way, Colpy Ind. Estate, Old Meldrum AB51 0BZ 01651 8736 ENCEKIRK AR ANGUS Centre,Park, Aberdeen Laurencekirk AB30 wside CouparRoad, Angus, Blairgowrie PH131EY 9ER01561 01828377790 640456 COUPAR ANGUS Meadowside Park, Coupar Angus, Blairgowrie PH13 9ER 01828 640456 ft, Elgin, IV30 1XZ 01343 550123 Elgin

ELDRUM tland) Ltd

Elgin

Jennifer TomPearson Easson Jennifer Pearson Contracts r Electricity Regional Manager Electricity Contracts r Co-ordinator Co-ordinator

Colpy Way, Colpy Ind. Estate, Old Meldrum AB51 0BZ 01651 873602

AR ANGUS

wside Park, Coupar Angus, Blairgowrie PH13 9ER 01828 640456 RI

D

Gina Foreman

K

T LA N

John Milne

T: 01343Elgin 550123

Senior Area Manager Area Manager

SC

ELGIN

Andrew Tindal Regional Manager O

SC

w r er

K

Regional Manager

NGL I N

Alick Anderson

Area Manager

George Bruce

Regional Manager

D

NGL I N

George Bruce

RI

rk

O T AN L

Alick Anderson

Gregg Watson Brian Mutch Ola Nowak Jennifer Pearson Area Manager Area Manager Electricity Contracts GEORGE BRUCE ALICK ANDERSON JOHN Labour MILNE Assistant BRIAN MUTCH Brian Mutch George Alick AREA Anderson JohnAREA Milne Gina Foreman Co-ordinator AREA MANAGER REGIONALBruce MANAGER SENIOR MANAGER MANAGER Area Manager Regional Manager Senior Area Manager Area Manager Area Manager

Admin

Old Meldrum T: 01651 873602

OLA NOWAK

Ola Nowak LABOUR ASSISTANT Labour Assistant

Alison Walker Lyon Alison Walker Jill Forbes Gregg Watson Brian Mutch Mandy Admin Admin Assitant Admin Assitant Assistant Area Manager Area Manager OAdminAssitant N

T LA MIKE SCOTT

Ron Mutch SENIOR AREA MANAGER

JAMES RAE

James AREARae MANAGER

Mandy OlaLyon Nowak Admin Assitant Labour Assistant

NEIL SMITH

KATHLEEN DICK

NeilAREA Smith MANAGER

MATTHEW MACDONALD

MikeAREA Scott MANAGER Area Manager Ron Mutch James Rae

AREA MANAGER

Old Meldrum Neil Smith vices Ringlink Services Senior Area Manager Area Manager Area Manager T: 01828 640456 COUPAR ANGUS Coupar Angus Coupar Angus Senior Area Manager Area Manager

Ron Mutch

Area Manager

James Rae

Neil Smith

Mike Scott

JACQUILINE GARDINER

CUPAR

Coupar Angus T: 01334 809999

vices TOM EASSON

WILMA COLLIER

SENIOR LABOUR MANAGER Dave McLaggan Karrina Andrews Ryan Dorsie AREA MANAGER Senior Area Manager Area Manager Area Manager

Debbie Henderson Training

Caroline Donaldson Training

Henry Taylor Area Manager

9

Mike Scott Area Manager

ALAN GRANT

DAVE MCLAGGAN RYAN DORSIE WELSH Senior Area Manager Area Manager AreaDAVID Manager Area Manager AREA MANAGER AREA MANAGER AREA MANAGER MANAGER homson Henderson Caroline Donaldson AREA Walker SENIORDebbie Hugh Thomson Debbie Henderson Caroline Donaldson AREA MANAGER Training ng McLagganTraining Training Training Dave Karrina Andrews Training Henry Taylor Matt Thompson Ryan Dorsie Alison Walker Mandy Lyon s nator Co-ordinator Co-ordinator dinator Co-ordinator Co-ordinator Senior Area Manager Area Manager Area Manager Marketing Co-ordinator Area Manager Co-ordinator Admin Assitant Admin Assitant Assistant Dave McLaggan Karrina Andrews Ryan Dorsie Senior Area Manager Area Manager Area Manager

omson

Area Manager

Old Meldrum

NGL I N D

Assistant nts Assistant

GREGG WATSON

Gregg Watson AREA MANAGER Area Manager

Gina Foreman

K

RI

OLDMELDRUM SC

es Coates

John Milne

Senior Area Manager Area Manager

Matt Thompson Marketing Co-ordinator

Henry Taylor Area Manager

Matt Mark

A BRIEF HISTORY OF RINGLINK

1995

2000

Mearns & Angus Services formed 5 members of staff

Ardler Office opened

2009

1988

Oldmeldrum office opened

Mearns & Angus MR. formed 1 member of staff

2004 1998 1992

Merged with North East MR. Renamed Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd.

2nd office opens in two porta cabins

10

Merged with Gordon & Buchan MR. Head office at Cargill Centre, Laurencekirk opened 20 members of staff

2013

2019

Ringlink Internship Programme launched

Pre Apprenticeship Pilot gains Scottish Government funding and rolled out to other regions’ The expansion at Laurencekirk began 3rd September.

2017 £40 Million Turnover 38 Members of Staff 2837 Members

2014

2020

Cupar office opens in January Laurencekirk extension due to open in July

Coupar Angus office opened

2011 Mearns & Angus Services became Ringlink Services Ltd.

2018 30th Anniversary £50 million turnover 38 members of staff 2900 members

11

RINGLINK SCOTLAND IN 2019 - STATS AT A GLANCE

What’s in it for you?

£

£

Cost of membership

£2.88 a week Equal to a subscription to Farmers Weekly

£61.25m ...combined turnover from 2,900 members 15% increase in 2019

8442

trainees through a range of courses

£383,000

1,500

electricity contracts managed

vehicle discount savings for members

Total transactions

99,066

£

22m

litres of fuel sold

(11% increase in 2019)

86

£14,880

young people graduated from the pre-apprenticeship programme (over 7 years)

raised for local and national charities 12

160,000 incoming emails processed

125,000

outgoing emails sent

£8.73m labour turnover making us an apprenticeship levy payer

11,644

tonnes of fertiliser sold

119,512

incoming calls received

111,189

outgoing calls made

360

Saving you time and hassle…

Using just one Ringlink service saves 30 mins management time per month = cost of your yearly subscription!

workers out daily on average throughout the year

£ 45,000

Total invoices raised 13

£140,000

returned to members from SMRA Case Rebate scheme.

How we operate

Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd has ultimately evolved as a rural business co-operative, owned by its members and managed on behalf of its members to provide a cost effective platform for efficient member to member trading.

We operate the business with transparency and by embracing the core values of: Integrity; Teamwork; providing a high Quality service along with a “Can Do” spirit to our membership.

SUBSCRIPTION Annual subscription of Agri-Businesses: £150.00 plus VAT Labour Only (Self Employed): £50.00 plus VAT Share Purchase on Joining £50.00 made up of 50 x £1 shares

COMMISSION RATES SERVICE DEMANDER LEVY SUPPLIER LEVY Spraying inc. Chemical Oil Seed Rape Fuel Fertiliser Malting Barley Feed Barley/Wheat Lime Chemical Supply Land Rentals Stockfeed/Straw/Hay All Other Ring Services

1/2% 1/2% 0% 0% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 2%

14

1/2% 1/2% 1% 1% 0% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 2%

Services & Price List for 2020 Please note the following pages are a guide price list only and is based on average working conditions. Any change to these prices for any reason or for services that show POA (price on application) will be given when job is booked.

- All rates include fuel except self-drive hire.

- All services are per acre and include operator unless otherwise stated.

- Travelling time may be charged extra, to the rates shown, if there is less than four hours work or it is indicated at time of booking.

- Suppliers must ensure adequate insurance cover is in operation before doing Ringwork.

- The supply of labour incurs a minimum charge of eight hours unless otherwise agreed.

- Late cancellation may incur the minimum eight hour charge.

Hired Equipment conditions - Delivery may be charged on hired equipment.

- Demanders must ensure adequate insurance is in place for all self-drive equipment when attached or unattached.

- Demander must carry out daily maintenance checks as per operating instructions.

- Self-drive equipment remains on hire until returned to supplier unless otherwise agreed.

- Self-drive equipment must be returned clean and free from foreign objects (and filled with fuel where applicable).

- Demander should check the machine’s condition on uplift.

- Supplier must check the machine’s condition on return.

Please Note: Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd acts as an agent only and not as a Principal.

15

Thainstone Business Park,

Markethill Industrial Estate

INVERURIE, AB51 5GT

TURRIFF, AB53 5PJ

T: 01467 621493

By Appointment to Her

info@balgownieltd.co.uk

Agricultural Machinery

Majesty The Queen Supply and Service of

T: 01888 530800 mharper@balgownieltd.co.uk

AGRICULTURAL, CONSTRUCTION & HORTICULTURAL MACHINERY Competitive Rates - Experienced Friendly Service

SALES - SERVICE - SPARES - HIRE

www.balgownieltd.co.uk

16

Ploughing/ Cultivating/Seeding Services - Labour Included

£ /acre

Autumn Ploughing Ploughing Plus Press Winter Ploughing Subsoiling Shakerator/Flatliner 200-300hp Discing (Black Ground) Discing (Stubble) c/w press Multi Harrowing RotaSpike / Power Harrowing Rotavating (Winter Ley) Sowing OSR (Seed Only) Sowing OSR (Seed & Fert) Sowing Grass Seed Sowing Grain Only Sowing Grain & Fert (up to 3cwt) Sowing Grain & Fert (over 3cwt) plus Direct Drill (Moore Unidrill) One Pass OSR(Seed Only) One Pass OSR (Seed & Fert) One Pass Sowing Grain Only One Pass Grain & Fert (up to 3 cwt) One Pass Grain & Fert (over 3 cwt) plus Vaderstad Drill Grain & Fert No Till Drill (Grain & Fert) Min Till Drill (Grain & Fert) Turnip Sowing (28” Drill with applicator) >10 acres Turnip Sowing (28” Flat with applicator) >10 acres Turnip Sowing (19” Flat with applicator) >10 acres Turnip Sowing (On beds with applicator) >10 acres Cambridge Rolling Cambridge Rolling with Paddles Roller Hire Paddle Roller Hire

22.00 - 26.00 24.75 - 29.00 21.00 - 24.25

34.00 16.50 15.75 12.50 22.50 31.25 8.75 12.00 8.25 10.75 13.00 0.75 31.00 21.00 - 24.50 22.75 - 27.00 22.25 - 27.00 23.75 - 29.00 0.75 24.50 29.00 38.00 25.25 28.25 29.75 30.75 5.25 7.50 2.65 5.25

17

£/hour

40.00 - 79.50 79.50

45.25 53.00 72.00 min charge 97.75 min charge

D.M. CARNEGIE

Steelstrath, Laurencekirk, AB30 1RN Tel: 01674 840288 Fax: 01674 840395

SERVICES:               

Soil sampling and mapping. Limestone delivered and VRT Spread.

Field drainage work undertaken.

Mobile seed dressing with chemicals applied. Seed supplied.

Grass seed sown & rolled with special drill on Cambridge rollers.

Grain & fertiliser sown with one pass lemken systems.

Self propelled forage harvester for grass and cereal whole crops.

16-18 ft swathing.

Combining with 30 ft machines.

Grain and fertiliser merchants.

Round and square baling of silage, hay and straw.

All crop chemicals sold and 24, 28 and 36 metre spraying service provided.

General haulage, flat, curtainside and bulk tippers.

All other contract work.

Dried woodchip available.

Sprayer MOT testing. Book your NSTS test. Part of the voluntary initiative.

Agrochemical Specialists and Crop Consultants

CARNEGIE CROP SERVICES Cookston, Brechin, DD9 7QS Tel: 01356 622066 Fax: 01356 625793

18

Spraying /Fertilising

Services - Labour Included

£ /acre

Fertiliser Spreading Spinner (up to 2cwt)

£/OTHER

4.75

LGP Fertiliser Spreading

£POA

High Clearance Spreading

£POA

Liquid Nitrogen & Urea

£POA

Liquid Nitrogen with added Sulphur

£POA

Inject Compound Fert to potatoes

£POA

3.25

Slug Pellet Application LGP Bike Lime Delivered & Spread

£POA

Lime Spreading (1.5 tonnes or over/Acre)

5.25/tonne

6.25/tonne

Lime Spreading (less than 1.5 tonnes/Acre) Lime Spreading with GPS (30 Acres Min)

8.25

Slag Spreading

20.75/Tonne

Spraying (up to 20 galls 1 - 40 hectares)

10.25/Ha

All other Spraying Operations

£POA

Crop Walking, Inspection

£POA

Irrigating @ 1” Water

£POA

Irrigation Complete Hire (pump, reel, pipes)

£POA

19

Supporting our rural clients’ growth & success ambitions

Campbell Dallas is one of Scotland’s leading accountancy and business advisory firms with over 600 staff and Partners working from 11 offices across Scotland. We pride ourselves on: • Delivering a local advisory service • Providing technology driven business solutions • Helping our clients’ businesses to grow Contact our rural experts: ian.williams@campbelldallas.co.uk 01224 623 111 andrew.ritchie@campbelldallas.co.uk 01738 441 888

campbelldallas.co.uk @CampbellDallas on Twitter Campbell Dallas on LinkedIn

andrew.sinclair@campbelldallas.co.uk 01292 288 999

Clever Commercial Connected

20

Foraging/Baling/ Wrapping Services - Labour Included

£ /acre

Mowing Conditioner Mowing Condition with Spreader Mowing Peas Tedding (6 metre wide +) Raking (6 metre wide +) Baling 4 x 4 Silage / Hay Baling 4 x 4.5 Silage / Hay Baling with chopper Baling Hay Small Square Bale Wrapping Silage Tubeline 4 x 4 Bale Wrapping Silage Tubeline 4 x 4.5 Bale Wrapping Silage Individual 4 x 4 Bale Wrapping Silage Individual 4 x 4.5 Baling & Wrapping Tubeline 4 x 4 Baling & Wrapping Tubeline 4 x 4.5 Baling & Wrapping Tubeline Chopped 4 x 4 Baling & Wrapping Individual 4 x 4 Baling & Wrapping Individual 4 x 4.5 Baling & Wrapping Individual chopped Baling & Wrapping Square (Quad) Baling & Wrapping 5.5 X 4 X 3

12.75 14.00 16.50 6.20 6.20

£/OTHER

52.50/Hour 52.50/Hour 2.65/Bale 3.15/Bale 3.15/Bale 0.65/Bale 2.95/Bale 3.35/Bale 3.40/Bale 3.90/Bale 5.25/Bale 5.75/Bale 6.05/Bale 6.25/Bale 6.80/Bale 7.10/Bale 8.10/Bale 6.80/Bale * The above prices are based on 4 layers of wrap & subject to change due to fluctuations in plastics prices Precision Chop Foraging 24.00 - 29.50

Self Propelled Foraging 24.00 - 29.50

Direct Cut Whole Crop Cereals 46.50

Tractor & Trailer up to 12t

29.50/Hour Tractor & Trailer over 14t 31.00 39.00/Hour Silage Trailer (10 – 16t Self Drive) 41.00 61.80/Day Tractor & Buckrake 31.50 42.25/Hour Push off Buckrake (Self Drive) 41.00 52.00/Day Topping Grass Rotary (Min charge of 4 hours) 10.50 37.50/Hour Topping Grass Flail/Mulch “ 12.75 43.50/Hour Straw Chopping “

44.00/Hour OSR Chopping “

40.00/Hour

21

BrookďŹ eld House, Birnie, Elgin, IV30 8SW. Tel: 01343 860556. E-mail: mark@markgarricktractors.co.uk www.markgarricktractors.co.uk 22

Cereal Harvesting/ Baling Services - Labour Included

£ /acre

Swathing OSR up to 25 acres Swathing OSR over 25 acres Swathing Peas Combining Cereals OSR with Draper Header OSR Direct with Side Knife With Chopper (additional charge) Mobile Grain Drying On Farm Drying (Tray, Continuous Flow) Mobile Grain Cleaning / Seed Dressing Straw Tub Grinding (mobile Service) Mobile Mill ‘n’ Mix Service Propcorning & Rolling Turning/Rowing straw Baling Straw 4 x 4 Baling Straw 4 x 4.5 Baling Straw 4 x 5 Baling Straw 4 x 6 Baling Big Square D1010 8’ X 32” X 36” MF/BB960 8’ X 48” X 36” Quadrant 8’ X 48” X 27” Hesston 8’ X 48” X 51” Small Square Baling with sledge Bale Wrapping Straw Tubeline 4 X 4 Bale & Bale Wrapping Tubeline 4 X 4 Bale Wrapping Straw Tubeline 4 X 5 Bale & Bale Wrapping Tubeline 4 X 5 Ammonia Injection Ritchie 8 Bale Trailer & Tractor Ritchie 8 Bale Trailer Self Drive

17.75 £POA £POA 34.00 - 46.50 36.25 - 49.00 36.25 - 49.50 4.20

23

£/OTHER

£POA £POA £POA £POA £POA £POA £POA 2.40/Bale 2.60/Bale 3.00/Bale 4.20/Bale 3.30/Bale 5.30/Bale 4.40/Bale 7.00/Bale 0.80/Bale 3.00/Bale 4.95/Bale 3.30/Bale 5.75/Bale £POA 46.00/Hour 100.00/Day

WANTED ARABLE GROUND FOR COMBINABLE CROPS IN BLACK ISLE, EASTER ROSS & SOURNDING AREAS SUPPLIER OF WOODCHIP FOR BIOMAS BOILERS BSL REGISTERED ALL STRAW BOUGHT & SOLD CALL HUNTER:07793826101

24

Root Crop/Vegetable Services Services - Labour Included

£ /acre

Deep Cultivating Power Harrow/Rotaspike Deep Ridging Shallow Ridging Bed Tiller with plough 3 Row Bed Tiller with ploughs Stone Separating Potatoes 36mm 32mm Carrots 32mm Bedforming Separated Beds Precision Drilling Veg On Beds Bedforming Precision Drilling One Pass Planting Potatoes Without Fert Planting Potatoes With Fert Potato Harvesting Unmanned Dahlman Roller Unmanned Tractor & Trailer Self Propelled Harvester on Tracks Front Topper Windrowing Bulb Potato Dressing/Grading Potato Storage Potato Haulm Pulverising 3 Bed (Less than 25 acres) Potato Haulm Pulverising 3 Bed (more than 25 acres) Green Haulm Desiccation (Plus gas) Bulb Haulm Pulverising

25

27.50 32.00 27.50 19.50

110.00 115.00 125.00 46.00 51.50 82.40 46.50 51.50 150.00 165.00

£POA 15.50 £POA

31.00 £POA £POA 36.00

£/hour 60.00 96.00

40.00 64.00 160.00

135.00 35.00 - 38.00

£POA £POA

26

Root Crop/Vegetable Services Services - Labour Included

£ /acre

Turnip Harvesting Single Row Turnip Harvesting From Beds Fodder Beet Harvesting Carrot Harvesting From Beds Brush Weeding Steerage Hoe Cabbage Planter 9 Row Scarifier Equipment - Hire Only Deep Ridgers Hire Bed Tiller with Ploughs Bed Former Hire Brush Weeder Hire Potato Box Hire Potato Box Tippler Hire Potato Box Trailer Hire Eight Box Potato Box Trailer Hire Ten Box Potato Box Trailer Hire Twelve Box Services Trailer Hire Over 10t Trailer Hire 20’ - 40’ Flats Low Loader Trailer Hire Stock Trailer Silage Trailer over 10t Heavy Duty Dump Trailer Ritchie 8 Bale Straw Cart Post Driver Hire Strainer Borer Hire Log Splitter Hire Road Brush Hire Road Brush & Bucket Hire Cement Mixer Hire Various Types Compressor Hire Air Hose Hire Air Breaker Hire Dumper Truck Hire Plastic Laying Machine Water Bowser

128.75

42.00 42.00 £POA £POA £/Acre 15.50 25.00 £POA 21.00

£/Day 50.00 45.00 65.00 55.00 50.00 - 60.00 60.00 100.00 31.00 £POA £POA 50.00 55.00 £POA £POA £POA £POA £POA £POA £POA

27

£/WEEKLY

42.00 £POA £POA

56.75 56.75

£/Day

£POA 40.00 45.00 50.00 55.00

FUEL CARDS •

• • •

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RINGLINK CAN NOW PROVIDE FUEL CARD SOLUTIONS TO MEMBER BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT THE UK

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28

enough to pay for your Ringlink Subscription!

Tractors/Loaders/ Forklifts/Road Haulage Services - Labour Included

£ /HOUR

4wd Tractor 101hp - 150hp 4wd Tractor 151hp - 200hp 4wd Tractor 201hp - 250hp 4wd Tractor 251hp - 300hp 4wd Tractor over 301hp Self Drive Tractor Hire Fastrac 150hp - 250hp Tracked Tractor Tractor & Loader 101hp+ Rough Terrain Forklift Telescopic Forklift JCB Type Digger Skid - Steer Loader (Bobcat) Tracked Excavator Artic Steer (Industrial) Telescopic Forklift JCB Type Digger Skid - Steer Loader (Bobcat) Industrial Forklift 3.0t Bulk Haulage Flat Haulage Curtain Sider Road Tankers Vegetable Bulkers Timber Haulage Low Loader(Machinery Trans. Etc.)

27.00 - 35.00 29.00 - 40.00 50.00 - 56.00 60.00 - 67.50 77.00 - 85.00 £POA 30.00 - 62.50 53.50 - 62.00 33.00 - 42.00 30.00 31.00 - 36.00 30.00 - 36.00 30.00 31.00 - 45.00 48.50 80.00/Day 100.00/Day 80.00/Day 40.00/Day £POA £POA £POA £POA £POA £POA £POA

29

£/WEEKLY

290.00/Week 300.00/Week 250.00/Week 130.00/Week

LAW FERTILISERS LTD, METHIL

Quality tailored foliar and granular fertilisers exclusive to Ringlink 

NEW: BULK DELIVERED AND SPREAD SERVICE



NEW: HIGH QUALITY CHALK AVAILABLE



Biocides for all crop protection requirements



Trace element compounds for animal health and improved seed quality



Soil and crop sampling undertaken



Fixed prices through to summer



Same day order to collection

CALL SALES OFFICE: 01592 808366 email: sales@lawfertilisers.co.uk

30

Muck/Slurry Spreading & Livestock Equipment Services - Labour Included

£ /HOUR SELF/DRIVE

Rota – Spreading Rear Spread Muck Spreading -> 10t Rear Spread Muck Spreading -> 12t Rear Spread Muck Spreading -> 14t Side Impeller / Dual Spreader Slurry Spreading 2000gallons Vacuum Tanker 2500gallons Vacuum tanker 3000gallons Slurry Injection LGP Self Propelled Slurry Tanker Umbilical Spreading

32.75 41.25 42.75 43.25 35.75 33.00 40.00 50.00 £POA £POA £POA

Equipment - Hire Only Four Ewe Lamb Adopter Sheep Turning Crate Sheep Race & Gates Lamb Weigher Sheep Foot Bath Mobile Sheep Dipper Calf Dehorning Crate Cattle Crush Cattle Weigh Crate Mobile Cattle Race (Inc. Gates) Cattle Foot Bath Livestock Trailer Hire

£/Day £POA 35.00 £POA 35.00 35.00 65.50 40.00 35.00 50.00 65.00 30.00 £POA

31

50.00 120.00 135.00 140.00 70.00 45.00 50.00 60.00

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Tel: 01561 376012

www.ringlinkscotland.co.uk 32

Miscellaneous/ Maintenance Services - Labour Included

£ /RATE

Tree Planting £POA Chain Saw & Operator (with Certificate) £POA Tree Felling & Thinning £POA Forestry Road Construction £POA Hedge Cutting 39.00 Drainage Complete Service £POA/Metre Drain Jetting £POA Supply Drainage Materials £POA Industrial Hoover Hire £POA Hoovering & Cleaning of Sheds £POA Power Washing of Sheds £POA Power Washer Hire £POA Shot Blasting £POA Small Tool Hire £POA Shed Construction £POA Demolition Work £POA Supply & Erection of Storage Systems £POA Feed System Installation £POA Concrete Laying / Building £POA Stone Crushing £POA Vibrating Roller £POA Hard & Soft Landscaping £POA Hydramulch & Water Jet Seeding £POA Garden Maintenance £POA 24 Hour Glass Replacement Service £POA Pest Control Services(Rats/Mice/Moles/Rabbits) £POA Skip Hire / Waste Removal £POA

33

ADM Agriculture Ltd

in association with Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd

Manufactured in Britain by the leading UK fertiliser brand. Supplied in your area by Ringlink.

Standard and extended finance available. NPK Compounds, Nitram, SingleTop and DoubleTop. Speak to you local Ringlink office for more details: Coupar Angus Cupar Elgin Laurencekirk Oldmeldrum

01828 640456 01334 809999 01343 550123 01561 377790 01651 873602

34

Commodities

DAILY QUOTATIONS AVAILABLE FOR THE FOLLOWING Fuel Gas Oil (Red Diesel) Derv (White Diesel) Kero (Domestic Heating Oil) Oils Complete Range of OiIs Film For Silage or Carrots Net Wrap Various Types Baler Twine Various Types Animal Feeds Barley, Wheat, Molasses, Draff, Pot Ale etc.

Hay & Straw Any Shape or Size (When Available) Alternative Bedding Wood Pellets, Shavings, Sawdust & Peat Silage Bales or Pit Silage (When Available) Stockfeed Veg Brock Potatoes (When Available) Brock Carrots || || Brock Turnips || || Hardcore Graded & Delivered Fire Extinguishers Supply & Service Arable Inputs Lime Magnesium, White & Granular Lime Complete Supply & Spread Service Seed Fertiliser & Chemicals Rock Salt White, Brown, Grit Mix Farm Signs Complete Range Available Tanks Fuel, Oil, Water, Mollasses etc.

Coal Delivered Choice of Grades Estate Maintenance Tree, Hedge Planting & Supplies Fencing Materials Posts, Wire, Strainers etc etc

35

Abated* Nitrogen with a 40% reduction in carbon footprint

Speak to Ringlink on 01561 377790 about your fertiliser requirement or visit cffertilisers.co.uk/carbon to find out more about CF’s carbon commitment. *40% reduction in Nitram production emission from 2010 baseline

36

LABOUR/PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Services - Labour Included

£/hour

Labour Unskilled 11.70 Semi Skilled Labour 13.40 Overtime Rate 17.30 HGV Driver 14.05 Relief Pig Person 13.55 Multi Skilled Labour £POA Fencer £POA Relief Dairy Person £POA Cattle Feet Trimming (Inc. Mobile Crate) £POA Sheep Shearing £POA Mechanic On Site £POA Blacksmith £POA Electrician £POA Potato Box Repair (On Farm Service) £POA Builder £POA Roughcaster £POA Slater £POA Joiner £POA Shotblaster £POA Pest Eradication (Rats/Mice/Rabbits/Moles) £POA Agronomy Services £POA Water Divining £POA Agricultural Consultants £POA Estate & Land Management £POA Agricultural Valuations £POA Advisory Services £POA Secretarial Services £POA GPS Services £POA Wood Cutting £POA Labour rates from 28/03/20

37

Labour Solutions Employment status: When engaging staff, a worker’s employment status, either employed or self-employed is not a matter of choice. Companies such as Uber, Deliveroo & City Sprint have hit the headlines over recent years following tribunals to determine the employment status of their workers, that is to determine whether they are employee’s, workers or self-employed. In all cases tribunals have found that the ‘self-employed’ businesses were in fact employees & entitled to a greater range of entitlements such as sick pay & holiday pay.

So what does this mean for our member businesses? Well, you need to be clear about the employment status of anyone working for you or risk being hit with a hefty PAYE and National Insurance bill as well as a raft of employment liabilities.

What level of control over the worker does the demanding business have? This is the critical question members should be asking themselves before hiring a worker. For example, if it is a worker who provides services to you and is genuinely in business on their own account, provides those services to other customers and invoices for those services, then they are likely to be self-employed and you can pay them gross. Self-employed are not entitled to any other employment related rights or protections. However, it is still your responsibility to ensure that they are bona fide self-employed. This also means that even though they are self-employed for one type of work, this does not mean that they qualify for self-employment for all work. They must personally carry out the work (and cannot sub-contract out), then the relationship would not be seen as client – service provider but rather employer-employee and they would be entitled to at least the minimum wage, holiday and sick pay, pension and have tax & national insurance deducted at source.

It should be noted that a demanding business is still required to offer the same Health and Safety protections when self-employed workers or contractors are used on-site. Failure to do so may result in penalties related to turnover. For instance, a business turning over £2m may face a fine of £450,000 or a business turning over £50m could be fined up to £10m.

Also, individuals found guilty of breaching the law can be handed unlimited fines or face a 2 year prison sentence.

38

Agency Labour Providers There are several Employment Agency members supplying labour through the machinery ring; this method of supply provides the opportunity for members to engage workers without PAYE obligations as the Employment Business assumes responsibility for payment of the Agency Worker’s remuneration and where required by the Inland Revenue, for the deduction and payment of National Insurance Contributions and PAYE Income Tax applicable to the Agency Worker.

Workers supplied through agency labour providers are subject to the standard terms and conditions of the supplying company (available upon request) in place at the time of any staff placements. These terms are required to be signed before any staff can be supplied.

Agency Workers Regulations (2010) These regulations which came into effect in 2011, provide that all agency workers must have the same access to certain basic facilities including: canteen, toilets, vending machine etc, amenities and information from the first day of an assignment as provided to full-time workers. As a labour user you are required to ensure that any agency workers who are supplied to you by agency providers will receive the benefit of such amenities and facilities.

Additionally, following the completion of the 12 week qualifying period, agency workers are entitled to the same “basic working and employment conditions” that they would have been entitled to had they been recruited directly by the hirer, including pay rates, holidays, bonuses etc.

For further information please contact your local Ringlink Office

“Ringlink Services have supplied casual labour to RH Brunton for the past 6 years.

Growing potatoes & onions we need to adapt to seasonal variances causing our staff requirements to fluctuate and Ringlink have never let us down in supplying staff, even at a days’ notice. Ringlink provide reliable staff, respond quickly to our needs and offer the flexibility that our business requires.”

Hugh Brunton, Arbroath.

39

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Fuel consumption figures in mpg. Musso: Urban 25.9-29.1, Extra Urban 39.2-40.9, Combined 32.8-35.8. CO2 emissions in g/km 226-211. *Musso EX including delivery charge, road licence & first registration charge. Model shown is Musso Saracen priced at £27,545 ex VAT inc. optional metallic paint at £550. 3.5 tonne towing capacity only with automatic transmission. Warranty covers 7 years or 150,000 miles. Prices are correct at the time of going to print but may be modified or changed at any time.

40

EX VAT*

labour inductions

411

WORKERS PLACED DAILY THROUGHOUT 2019

Do you already carry out an induction for any new workers?

If the answer is no, then you need to think again. As a user of labour, demanders have a responsibility to give new workers a safety induction for working on their site with the relevant equipment. The induction should cover at least the following points:

• • • •

•

•

Name of person whom the worker reports to.

Workers duties and responsibilities.

Company’s Health & Safety policy.

Emergency exits and procedures where

applicable.

Working hours, frequency and length of rest breaks.

Location of toilet facilities and amenities.

See www.ringlinkscotland.co.uk for H&S induction form

“We have used Ringlink Services for over 20 years to supply skilled and unskilled labour for our Fertiliser packing operation at Dundee. The seasonal nature of our business is opposite to the general farming season which allows us to source experienced agricultural workers, many of whom return year after year.

The flexibility of sourcing staff & utilising the machinery pool from Ringlink has allowed the business to go from strength to strength. Ringlink offer a great service, with the team often going beyond the call of duty to help when you need it most.”

Steve Briggs, Angus Horticulture.

41

Employing Young People

Young people over school age and under 18 are known as Young Workers. There are special laws which are put in place to protect the employment rights of these young workers, in relation to health and safety, what jobs they can do, when and how long they can work.

These laws are extremely strict and as an employer, it is vital that they are adhered to or

there are tough penalties for breaking them.

Health & Safety If you have a worker who is under the age of 18, you must complete a risk assessment in relation to health and safety before they can commence employment, paying particular attention to their age, experience, and other factors present that could be of risk.

If they are under school leaving age, you must also tell one of their parents about the risk assessment findings. This must include any risks that are identified, and measures that will be put in place to protect them.

What work can be done?

If the worker is over school leaving age and under 18, there are special restrictions on the type of work they can do. These include work which they are not physically or mentally capable of, which brings them into contact with chemical agents, toxic materials or radiation, and work involving health risks due to extreme cold, heat or vibration.

No person under school age can be employed in work other than light work, and they are not allowed to be employed in work which is likely to be harmful to their safety, health, development or that will affect their attendance at school.

42

Hours of Work & Rest Breaks If your worker is of school leaving age but under 18, the law states that they cannot work more than 8 hours each day or more than 40 hours each week. They must be allowed 12 hours rest between working days, and 2 rest days each working week. They are also entitled to a 30 minute rest break when they work for a consecutive 4 and a half hours. In addition to this, your worker would not be allowed to work between the hours of midnight and 4am, except in the most exceptional circumstances, and that they are supervised by an adult.

Any persons under school age cannot work during school hours, for more than 2 hours on any school day or for more than 12 hours in any week, for more than 2 hours on a Sunday or for more than 8 hours on any day which is not a school day or a Sunday. They also cannot work before 7am or after 7pm.

Holidays If your worker is 16 or over they are legally entitled to paid holidays, just the same as workers over 18. For those working a 5 day week they are entitled to 30 days paid holidays under the Agricultural Wages (Scotland) Order (No67).

Find us on Social Media

@preapprenticeship

@preapprenticeship

@RinglinkScotlandLtd

@Ringlink(Scotland)Ltd

43

ILLEGAL WORKERS It is a criminal offence to employ workers who do NOT have the right to work in the UK. You can be sent to jail for 5 years and pay an unlimited fine if you’re found guilty of employing someone who you knew or had ‘reasonable cause to believe’ didn’t have the right to work in the UK. Under the 2006 Immigration, Asylum & Nationalities act, preventing illegal working is now a responsibility of all employers. The act covers permanent, full-time, part-time, fixed term & casual employees. In order to prevent illegal workers gaining employment, employers are required to check that ALL workers employed have recognised documented proof of their right to work in the UK before they commence employment.

Recognised documents include the following:

• A current European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss passport (or expired UK).

• A current European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss National Identity Card.

• A current passport containing a valid work visa or stamp declaring ‘no recourse to public funds’.

Or a combination of 2 of the following:

• A UK Birth certificate.

• A Government issued document stating name & NI number, ie a P60 or P45.

• A Benefits office JSA card.

• A previous employers payslip.

• A Government issued letter proclaiming the employees residency and employability status.

44

You must ensure that the above documents are representative of your potential employee, ie the date of birth stated accurately reflects the holder, or the photograph is in fact the person who has supplied the document. Photocopies must be held in the employees personnel file, as these will form part of your ‘reasonable excuse’, should the employee be found to be working illegally.

To ensure that you do not discriminate against any nationality, you should ensure that all of your employees undergo the above checks.

The above list is a sample of the main acceptable documentation, however, a full description of what can be used as proof of eligibility can be found at www.gov.uk/check-an-employees-right-to-work-documents

CAN YOU AFFORD A £20K FINE If a person has a time limit on their stay then you should carry out repeat checks at least once every 12 months. If a person has a restriction on the type of work they can do and, or, the amount of hours they can work, then you must not employ them in breach of these restrictions.

You should also verify that a person has the right to work when certain documents or scenarios are presented to you.

You can be prosecuted for employing illegal workers, including:

• Students with expired visas, or students working more hours than they are allowed to.

• People on a visitor’s visa.

You should check all your employees and must not discriminate against anyone because of their nationality.

The information included above is subject to legislative change as we progress through the Brexit process. For further information please refer to http://www.gov.uk/guidance/ employing-eu-eea-and-swiss-citizens-and-their-family-members-after-brexit.

45

ILLEGAL WORKERS contd.

Check that:

• the documents aren’t expired (except UK passports, which can be expired)

• photos in the documents are a good resemblance to the employee.

• the date of birth on the document seems consistent with the employee’s appearance.

• the visa covers the type of work they’ll be doing (including any limit on the number

of hours they can work).

• if two documents have different names stated, make sure there’s a good reason, eg.

marriage or divorce.

There are example documents in the following guide from the UK Border Agency (UKBA).

The Government and the UK’s Border Agency have come down very hard in recent years concerning the employment of illegal workers. The penalty for employing an illegal worker is presently £20,000 per worker. It also carries a two year prison sentence.

The above information is a brief overview of the law and how it stands with employment of illegal workers. The following websites can take you through things step by step. www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

www.gov.uk/legal-right-to-work-in-the-uk

Whilst all care is taken to ensure accuracy throughout this Handbook, no responsibility can be taken for those acting on or refraining to act on the information contained within.

The information included above is subject to legislative change as we progress through the Brexit process. For further information please refer to http://www.gov.uk/guidance/ employing-eu-eea-and-swiss-citizens-and-their-family-members-after-brexit.

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46

up to

day:

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Rely on Ringlink Services...

L

Ringlink Services your expert in training solutionsLtd

Tel: 01561 376000 email: laurencekirk@ringlinkservices.co.uk www.ringlinkservices.co.uk

FOR ALL YOUR TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS Delivering Quality Training and Assessments Throughout the Country Sprayer Operator Course

Delivering Quality Training Throughout the C

Sprayer Operator Course

10 NRoSO Points

We have been running half day sprayer Operator courses for a number of years. This year the course includes • Stores & Storage Transport • • Sprayer Sprayer Problems • Buffers • LERAPSOperator • Product Revocation Course • Footpaths We have numerous courses running throughout the country, please refer to the calendar for suitable dates and venues.

Please call for additional dates as the list only represents a selection.

Are you taking the Pesticides?

01-Dec-08

Coupar Angus

19-Jan-09

Inverness

09-Feb-09

Coupar Angus

16-Feb-09

Thainston

03-Dec-08

• FULLY ACCREDITED TRAINING • TRAINING DELIVERED ON SITE AND COUNTRYWIDE

Other Courses Include • • • • •

• QUALITY ASSURANCE APPROVED • •

• LANTRA TRAINING

Kirkintilloch

• •

24/11/2008 Laurencekirk 26/11/2008 Inverurie 26/11/2008 Banchory 27/11/2008 Falkirk 01/12/2008 Munlochy AreRothbury you taking 02/12/2008 02/12/2008 Keith 01-Dec-08 02/12/2008 Thurso 03-Dec-08 08/12/2008 Cupar 08/12/200819-Jan-09 Annan 08/12/200809-Feb-09 Perth 09/12/2008 Pathhead 16-Feb-09 15/12/2008 Ellon

10 NRoSO Points

• • • • •

We thro cale Ple rep

the Pesticides?

Coupar Angus Kirkintilloch Inverness Coupar Angus Thainston

Chainsaw Arboriculture First Aid Manual Handling Tractor Driving Trailer Towing Excavator Forklift Rat & Mouse Control

• • • • • • • • •

Mearns & Mearns Angus Services Call & Angus Services • CITY AND GUILDS NPTC ASSESSMENTS 01561 37600001561 376000 www.mearnsandangus.com www.mearnsandangus.com

Call Mearns & Ang 01561 376 www.mearnsanda

PROVIDING TRAINING SOLUTIONSON ACROSS THE COUNTRY CALL RINGLINK SERVICES 01561 376000

PROVIDING TRAINING SOLUTIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

PROVIDING TRAINING

• •

Other Courses Include

Chainsaw Arboriculture First Aid Manual Handling Tractor Driving Trailer Towing Excavator Forklift Rat & Mouse Control

Forklift Training SOLUTIONS ACROSS delivered on site.

If you have the facilities we can 47 come to you

We Ope yea

SLUG PELLET UPDATE Upgrade your PA1 and PA2 to a PA4S by attending this half day seminar.

FOOD HyGIENE Food Hygiene courses to meet quality assurance running at a venue near you.

FIRST AID TRAINING Appointed Person 3 Day First Aid at Work 2 Day Refresher Training Courses running in:

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIqUES Do you need to deliver training?

Ensure that you have the correct skills to deliver training effectively.

The next course starts on the 10th May 2010 in Perth.

THE COUNTRY

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 & Exploited Workers

Modern slavery & worker exploitation is a very real concern in the UK agricultural industry. Further to this we would urge all our demanders to be aware of this as a potential problem and to be able to identify any signs of worker exploitation and what to do if there is evidence of it.

Below is a list of some potential indicators but there are no set number of indicators that would point to a person being a victim of labour abuse.

The list of potential signs are grouped under the following headings on the GLAA website:

• Restricted Freedom • Behaviours • Working Conditions • Accommodation • Finances • Appearance

For further advice on the above, please check out the Gangmaster & Labour Abuse Authority’s website which explains in more detail:

http://www.gla.gov.uk/media/1573/human-trafficking-spotting-the-signs-v5-all-amends.pdf Should you be aware of or have ANY concerns about worker exploitation or labour abuse of any workers, then it is your duty to report your concerns to the relevant authority. Forced labour is still the most common type of modern slavery reported to the UK Modern Slavery helpline in Scotland during July - September 2019, with the highest recorded potential victim nationality being Bangladesh, as shown in Statistical Report on the right hand page.

For more information see: www.modernslaveryhelpline.org or call the helpline on:

08000 121 700.

48

UK Modern Slavery July - Sep 2019

Scotland

18 Calls relating to cases in Scotland 17 Online Reports 11 Cases of Modern Slavery 14 Potential Victims of Modern Slavery Type of Exploitation

Potential Victim Nationalities Romania

1

France

1

Bangladesh

Labour , 3, 28%

Unknown, 3, 27% 2

Unknown

Sexual, 2, 18%

Criminal, 3, 27%

10

Quarter 3 saw a 56% increase in online web reports, increasing from 11 to 15, which parallels a continuing increase in online reporting to the Modern Slavery Helpline.

Interestingly, no cases of domestic servitude were reported to have occurred in Scotland from July to September 2019.

6 Referrals to Police on modern slavery cases Victim Demographics: Age, Gender 6 5

5

4 3

2

2

1

1 0

0 Male

Female Adult

Unknown

1

1

Unknown

Male

2

2

Female

Unknown

0 Male

Female Minors

Unknown Age

Unseen • Registered charity number 1127620 • Registered company number 06754171

49

Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) The Immigration Act 2016 is designed to address labour exploitation & abuse across the UK. Specialist GLAA officers have been appointed & trained to investigate cases of severe exploitation across the entire UK labour market. The Licensing scheme remains for labour suppliers & users in the Food Processing & Packaging, Agriculture & Shellfish gathering industries.

Does your business undertake work which is covered by the licensing scheme?

The GLAA regulates those who supply labour or use workers to provide services in agriculture, forestry, horticulture, shellfish gathering, food processing and packaging.

The GLAA are responsible for ensuring that licensing standards are adhered to, and the businesses using labour providers are aware that they must only use licensed providers.

Labour Users The Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 includes a number of criminal offences that apply to both labour providers and labour users.

If you are supplied with labour and your business operates in the licensable sectors, you must only use GLAA licensed labour providers.

The following list outlines the minimum requirements: • Check the GLAA register to see if your labour provider is licensed on www.gla.gov.uk • Co-operate with the labour provider to help ensure that they comply with the GLAA conditions.

• Ensure that you provide a safe working environment.

• Co-operating with them to ensure the site of work complies with health and safety legislation.

• Ensure all workers have adequate and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Ensure adequate arrangements have been made to provide welfare facilities including toilets, washing facilities and drinking water both on site and in the fields where it is required.

• Having your agreement with your provider in writing.

• Failure to comply can lead to fines of up to £5000, imprisonment or both.

50

GLAA Active Service The best way to keep up to date with your labour provider’s licence status is to register for the “active check” alerts service. This sends direct updates to keep you informed of any changes to your labour provider’s licence, such as a compliance inspection, additional licence conditions or a revocation.

It’s very simple to sign up, you can make a check by calling the GLAA helpline on 0345 602 5020. Or you can check online, www.gla.gov.uk and follow these steps: • Register with the Government Gateway to obtain a user ID and password, once you have this you can log in securely and confidentially.

• Search for your labour provider using their unique reference number (URN) • Confirm the details and check the person is named on the licence You can use your Government Gateway details from other Government services to enrol for the active check service.

Labour Supplier Obligations •

• •

• •

•

Register with the GLAA and obtain a licence, failure to do so is an offence which can lead to a £10,000 fine and imprisonment or both under the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004.

Ensure that you comply with the licensing regulations at all times.

Ensure that safe working practices are in operation on all sites where you supply workers.

Ensure all workers have adequate and appropriate PPE. Co-operate with the labour user to help ensure that they comply with the conditions that are set out by the GLAA. Remember, it is your supplier licence that is at risk for failure to comply.

Further Information It is advisable and good practice to regularly visit the GLAA website www.gla.gov.uk or use the link from Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd web page www.ringlinkscotland.co.uk to keep abreast of the regulations.

Within the GLAA website, there are many useful links to other websites to give advice to both the labour provider and the labour supplier. Advice is also given in several languages to ensure the facts are fully understood. If you have any questions about the GLAA and how it might affect you or your business please contact: communications@gla.gsi.gov.uk.

Whilst all possible care has been taken in compiling this Handbook, no responsibility for loss occasioned by acting on or refraining to act on the information contained in this Handbook can be accepted by the publishers or their agents.

51

NATIONAL LIVING WAGE & WORKPLACE PENSIONS NATIONAL LIVING WAGE Currently anyone aged 25 years & over is entitled to be paid at least the National Living Wage of £8.21 per hour. The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB) rates mirror this for all workers aged 16 & over. If the worker is within their first 6th months of service this is payable up to 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. Overtime at 1.5 x the minimum hourly rate is payable for any hours worked out with these parameters.

After 6 months of service the worker is entitled to be paid the National Living Wage for up to 8 hours per day & 39 hours per week with Overtime payable thereafter.

From the 1st April 2020 the National Living Wage is increasing to £8.72 per hour and Scottish Agricultural Wage Board rates for 2020/2021 will be the same.

I get a great service from the Ringlink team when sourcing temp staff, always ready to go out of their way to accommodate my requirements.

Michael Niven, Clova Farms, Murdrum, Carnoustie

It Pays to Learn Get up to £200 towards the cost of a training course with an SDS Individual Training Account (ITA) You could use the money to build the skills you need for a job. Or get some training to take your career to the next level. Whatever you want to do, there is a wide range of ITA approved courses on offer.

You could receive up to £200 towards a single course or training episode per year. ITA funding could be right for you if you’re: • Aged 16 or over • Not in education or involved in any other SDS funded programme • Unemployed and looking to get back into work • Employed and earning less than £22,000 per year •

Resident in Scotland

And because it’s not a loan you don’t have to pay it back. Sounds good? Start searching for an ITA approved course and apply online.

Applications open from April 2020 - limited funding available so do not delay! www.myworldofwork.co.uk/learn-and-train/sds-individual-training-accounts-ita 52

Page

43 – L

abour

Solutio ns Rem o ve “ E -n e w s to be c letter s entred ign up • Ins Workplace Pensions a c ro s s ” from e rt a c the bo page. ouple ttom o Re-ins of labo f page o Rin tate th u r . s Workplace pensions have changed.

An estimated seven e “F o r tats ne glink’s further ar the total la o Rin bottom inform bour h glink o enough million people in the UK aren’t saving for rretirement. ation… of the s for 2 n aver p a g e: 016 = age pla 6 47,000 ce 30important So having the right workplace pension is more 0 w o rk h rs e rs d a Page ily.

48 –enrolment than ever. Automatic is the government’s initiative to Illegal w o rk e rs c o n address this. • “Sign tinued up to e mail in arc fro voicing m th e left employees All employers with one or more meet the legal requirements and help ” –have too bto of the oxy in page. currautomatically ent de employees save of their retirement. All eligible employees sign c become members an is Page be inall 50 & 5 scheme with a high enough level of contribution.th of a qualifying pension Whilst eligible clud 1 – Na ed as tional a employees must qualifying pension scheme they can choose to opt out if n ing W • Wbe enrolled into aLiv orkpla age & ce Pen W orkpla they wish. sions entire ce Pe – to fe conten nsion • Inc a t tu o s r n e page 5 lude n 1. e w g ra r p e h q ic u Responsibilitiesirfor as sho ed athe s spaemployer: wn if ce • Workforce assessment allows.

•

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Provision and Automatic Enrolment into a qualifying scheme.

• Mo “ IT PAout and refund.

Facilitatingveopting YS TO LEAR N” to b • Re Record keeping otto m ov

m of p e first age 50 p a ra : “ .

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li e Ring nk Int Rem o e rn s h link Lo ng our ve ent ip ivgi o. er! ir • 3% frome 6th 19 opeApril rece tt ning p t on newsle “The la a ra g r a u ail o s n n d -b a s s ph an i i t d em d repla ed Inte succe n’t m E-bulle erre we’ll f e Do r s c n r s e ship p r ful in a contributions p with t

in… rograare: ttractin he foll regula of vEmployeE your llet mme is ocatio g youn owing now the e-bu n k k a n l : o g s o w p p train• in 5% from .co.u po6th 19 eople in in its fi rtunApril Let u ess for g and land ities th fth yea to the scot mento r k a r d t . r a in u th t d l n r al sec e secto s d conati g ring.” tor. It a @rin n e re r can o • Op llows th doutehs torpenrocevkirk ffer thr ening e u e o h a m u ighly :l gh a s para to • Inte tructur Emtoailsee the fu be bold rn Pla e d p ro ll rang g re e n cem en g • Am e r a m font. t O ver m e of end to view – re a d : “ • Th 53 a m P ro g ra end to re e w e mm re a ek • Reduc

LAND-BASED ICESHIP T EN R APP PREThe Land-Based Pre-apprenticeship is a recognised progression route for young people and new entrants into the rural industry.

2019 was the first year funded by Scottish Government, supporting the pilot roll-out of the programme to other regions in Scotland.

Programme objectives • To identify suitable candidates who have a desire to work within the rural industry.

• To provide practical experience, training and knowledge allowing youngsters to make informed decisions as to how they would like their career to progress.

• To provide on-going mentoring and support to maximise the potential of the young person.

• The ultimate aim is to help prepare young people for employment in agriculture and the wider rural sector.

Placement Overview • 26 weeks fully paid work placement, 40 hrs per week on a farm or suitable rural business.

• Programme starts in June with a 3 week induction at SRUC, Aberdeen.

• Up to £1500 of training will be offered to each candidate.

• In addition, there will be input from industry professionals.

• Payment for time worked is in accordance with the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB).

• All candidates who successfully complete the programme will receive a certificate of completion awarded from Ringlink.

• Holidays will be accrued over the 6 month work placement in accordance with SAWB.

TELY DEFINI I WOULD THE RECOMMEND RS, HE TO OT AMME R OM G R F O R T P O HOSE N T IALLY ROUND ESPEC BACKG 019) TON (2 H A FARMING IG R C AN

MORG

IT’S THE BES

T WAY TO GET INTO THE INDUSTR Y! JUST DO IT!

HOLLY KENN

EDY (2019)

54

HAS THE PROGRAMME WITH THE PROVIDED ME FOR MY SKILLS I NEED R. CA FUTURE REE N (2019)

SO EWAN HODG

Three Week Induction Successful applicants undertake a three week induction period starting in June which will involve a range of activities including training and industry related visits.

• Health and Safety induction - Risk Assessment.

• First Aid Training.

I WOULD RE COMMEND THE PROGRAMME TO OTHERS AS IT’S HELPED ME CHOOSE MY CAREER FOR THE FUTURE .

• Manual Handling Training.

• Three day Tractor Driving.

• Three day Forklift Operator Training.

• Introduction to Agriculture.

JOSH FORD

YCE (2019)

• Certificate of Work Readiness (CWR - SCQF level 4)

The Work Placement • On successful completion of the initial three week induction, pre-apprentices take up their placement with a predetermined Mentor.

• The mentor will play a vital role in identifying the capabilities of the individual and will offer both encouragement and support to promote progression and development.

• Through the placement period, pre-apprentices will be expected to contribute fully to the business by actively engaging in their allocated tasks.

• Opportunities for further development will be made available through arranged visits to a variety of rural businesses.

• Additional training courses will be made available through the placement period dependent upon the requirements of the business and the pre-apprentice.

Programme Partners • SRUC: Provide the facilities for the three week residential induction at the Craibstone campus.

SRUC also deliver the SRUC Certificate of work readiness (CWR) together with additional training units.

• Ringlink Scotland: Provide the day-to-day management of the programme, recruit and support farmer mentors, and provide the training programme for the interns.

For full details of the programme or if you are interested in becoming a Mentor see: www.ringlinkscotland.co.uk/pre-apprenticeship Find us on social media @preapprenticeship

@preapprenticeship

55

@RinglinkScotlandLtd

PRE-APPRENTICESHIP 2019 GRADUATION The Pre-Apprenticeship programme continues to thrive, with great results realised for the first year of the pilot rollout to the regions of the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, in addition to Inverness and the Highlands.

The ‘class of 2019’ saw 34 pre-apprentices from Ringlink, Tarff Agricultural Merchants and Borders Machinery Ring come together to graduate in February. The event was held at the Dewar Centre in Perth, with parents and mentors along with key stakeholders from industry and Scottish Government, all in attendance to celebrate the pre-apprentices’ achievements.

The graduation was compered by Sylvia Halkerston, chair of LBPAPP Steering Group Committee and the cohort were presented with their certificates by Jane Duffy, Apprenticeship Policy Team Leader from Scottish Government, while guest speakers Gary Mitchell (NFUS Vice Chair of Milk Committee & Mentor) and Alana Black (Agricultural Communicator & Rural Youth Project Co-ordinator) commented on the importance on getting young people into the industry, the power of communication and forging networks within the industry.

James Porter, Chairman of Ringlink Scotland delivered the Vote of Thanks and commented: “It is extremely rewarding to recognise the pre-apprentices’ achievements and see new entrants coming into the industry. Without mentors the programme would not be the success it is today and we are very grateful to all mentors who have offered placement opportunities. The programme is usually oversubscribed and the limiting factor is the number of mentors willing to help train apprentices.

However, we are lobbying for a small slice of the Basic Payment scheme funds to be diverted into the programme, as given the right funding it would mean the whole industry was supporting it, rather than relying on a few altruistic people, as we are at the moment.”

The Ringlink graduates for 2019 included 20 trainees from our summer intake: : Sarah Boyle, Scott Cousar, Rhiannon Cunningham, Fraser Dandie, Robin Durno, Lewis Emslie, Josh Fordyce, Jamie Grant, Ewan Hodgson, Peter Hogarth, Holly Kennedy, Blaize Lawson, Nathan MacDonald, Andrew Mackay, Callum Naismith, Logan Smith, Jack Thomson, Brianna Watson, Lea Wilson and Glen Wright – and our 5 winter pre-apprentices: Craig Byrne, Morgan Crighton, Jack Douglas, Thomasz Menard and Adam Wallace.

Applications for the Land-based Pre-Apprenticeship 2020 close on the 20th March 20, with 30 places on offer this year. For further details of the pre-apprenticeship programme or to express an interest in becoming a Mentor, please contact: gail@ringlinkscotland.co.uk.

Full details and promotional video are available on our website: www.ringlinkscotland.co.uk/pre-apprenticeship

56

PRE-APPRENTIC ESHIP OUTCOMES After seven successful years of the running of the programme, from 2013 – 2019 we have achieved the following outcomes:

53%

85%

OF CANDIDATES

COMPLETION

offered jobs on completion of training by mentor businesses

57%

OVER 7 YEARS OF THE PROGRAMME

32%

OF PARTICIPANTS

OF CANDIDATES

were from a nonagricultural background and therefore new entrants to the sector

have progressed onto further education (MA’s, College, University

15% OF CANDIDATES secured other full-time jobs.

57

We need you to Giving young people the tools to help build their future

We’re now recruiting for our 2020 intake of Pre-Apprentices and need suitable mentors from the land-based sector throughout Scotland, to offer 6 months’ work placements either on a full-time or part-time basis.

Interested in becoming a mentor? All enquiries to gail@ringlinkscotland.co.uk or call: 01561 377790

58

GROWING YOUR FUTURE

FRASER DANDIE honed his farming skills at Lathallan School before joining Ringlink’s pre-apprenticeship programme last summer.

Fraser was instrumental in the creation of an on-site school farm at Lathallan, Johnshaven, where pupils have weekly farming duties, tending to the pigs and harvesting potatoes or helping to grow the fresh fruit and vegetables in the school’s polytunnel. Farming is second nature to Fraser, having grown up on a farm near Forfar. His interest and talent was identified and developed at school helping Fraser gain the experience he needed to pursue a career in the agriculture sector.

“The school farm at Lathallan is fantastic,” said Fraser. “I’ve always liked farming and the Headmaster Mr Toley, really took that on board. He gave me the opportunity to use my knowledge to develop the farm with pigs and growing crops. The farm gave me something I could take on and influence. The fact that I was able to put on my CV that I had helped create a school farm was a major selling point for me in moving on in my career.”

Since leaving Lathallan in 2019, Fraser completed the pre-apprenticeship pilot programme ran by Ringlink, after his three week induction at SRUC he moved on to Bruce’s Farms in Meigle, for a sixmonth work placement to gain experience working with peas, blackcurrants, potatoes and livestock.

It is important to work across the education, farming and food sectors to mobilise farmers and educators to bring farming into a learning content, and establish an appreciation for where our food come from. Children who learn how to grow, harvest and cook fruit and veg are more likely to apply principles of a healthy diet throughout their lives, care about the environment and change current attitudes towards the industry.

A study found that more than 50% of those survey believed they would not have the finances to be able to become a farmer – mainly due to the misunderstanding that you need to inherit land to become a farmer. This is not true! Young people, who want to get into industry, should explore entry routes to get into the industry such as internships, apprenticeships or other qualifications. Work experience is invaluable for our industries future – whether that is in school or extracurricular, the skills and insights learnt will help shape the future of our industry.

Article provided by Ewan Smith, Lathallan School To find out more contact Lathallan Admissions Officer Naomi Maiden on admissions@lathallan.org.uk or 01561 362220 59

R

S

L

Ringlink Ringlink Services Ltd

Serv

Ringlink Services Ltd Ringlink Services Ltd was founded in 1995 to satisfy training demands and labour requirements of the growing membership of Ringlink Scotland.

The flexibility of Ringlink Services together with a national network of professional instructors and assessors has allowed the company to deliver its training throughout the entire country; accredited to both Lantra and NPTC City & Guilds, providing a complete training and assessment package serving the entire UK market.

exceptional!

Ringlink Services are leaders in the provision of labour focusing on the agricultural, horticultural and construction industries and together with its sister company Ringlink Scotland, has the capacity to provide complete labour and machinery solutions throughout Scotland.

We have been working closely with Ringlink for a number of years and have always found their service and attention to be exceptional. I understand that we can be quite a demanding client at times but they are always patient and understanding with very good customer service skills.

Why not put us to the test and give us a call. For further information call Ringlink Services on 01561 376000.

Estates and Facilities – Grounds Officer, University of Aberdeen 60

TRAINING COURSES INDEX

1

FIRST AID

2

MANUAL HANDLING

3

SPRAYER OPERATOR COURSE

ATV

4

ATV’S & 4X4 OFF ROAD DRIVING

Driver CPC

5

DRIVER CPC

Forklift

6

FORKLIFT TRAINING

Mowers

7

MOWERS

8

PESTICIDES

9

FORESTRY TRAINING

10

ARBORICULTURE

H&S

11

HEALTH & SAFETY

H&S

12

HEALTH & SAFETY

13

TRAILER TOWING B+ E

14

OTHER TRAINING

First Aid

Manual Handling

Pesticides

8442

TRAINEES IN 2019

2069

ASSESSMENTS IN 2019

Pesticides

Forestry Training

2748

LANTRA COURSES ARRANGED IN 2019

Utility Arboriculture

Health & Safety

Health & Safety

Trailer Towing (B+E)

i

Enquiries

BUSINESS BANKING, WITHOUT THE BULL. Get a straight-talking expert to help you grow your business.

Switch to our Business Current Account today.

To find out more contact: Brian Richardson National Head Agriculture 07483 349432

Colin Milne Relationship Manager Agriculture 07717 356904

Jeff Rioch Relationship Manager Agriculture 07900 651126

Clydesdale Bank PLC (which also trades as Yorkshire Bank and Virgin Money) registered in Scotland (No. SC001111). Registered office: 30 St. Vincent Place, Glasgow, G1 2HL.

62

FIRST AID TRAINING

First Aid

1

As an employer you are responsible for making sure that your employees receive immediate attention if they are taken ill or are injured at work. Accidents and illness Handbook Content& Additional can happen at any time and first aid Revisions can save lives and prevent minor injuries from becoming major ones.

Emergency First Aidservices – 1 day ( graphic for bottom of page) Page 43 – Labour /Professional

The HSE Emergency First Aid at work course that covers the basics of First Aid and current emergency first aid procedures. The candidate will be awarded an Emergency First Aid at Work certificate.

First Aid At Work – 3 days

This course covers the full First Aid Syllabus as outlined by the First Aid Approved Code of Practice 2009. Upon successful completion of the course, the candidate will be awarded the First Aid at Work certificate which will remain valid for 3 years.

First Aid at Work Refresher – 2 days

521

CANDIDATES TRAINED IN 12 MONTHS

This course is for those who already hold the First Aid at Work certificate and is designed to update their knowledge and skills as well as cover any new techniques and procedures. Candidates will be re-assessed Page 65 – First Aid (intro para to insert to fill page & insert first aid graphics) at the end of the course and if successful will be awarded another certificate 3 years.

As anlasting employer you are responsible for making sure that your employees receive immediate attention if they are taken ill or are injured at work. Accidents and illness First can happen at any time and first aid- 2 can save lives and prevent minor Aid FOR MENTAL HEALTH DAYS injuriesAnyone from becoming majorbyones. can be affected a mental health condition - an individual, a family member,

friend or colleague. This 2-day course covers a wide

You must make appropriate first aid arrangements range of mentalSome healthsmall conditions, into detail for your workplace. low-riskgoing workplaces on have the range therapies and support available by need to only aoffirst aid box and a person appointed to take bodies chargeduring of first-aid arrangements professional treatment for a mental such as calling the emergency services and stocking health condition. the first aid box. The appointed person does not The course is suitable for all individuals within a work need specific first-aid training.

place but is aimed at those who hold a supervisory/

If yourmanagerial workplacelevel hasposition; more significant and those withhealth responsibility for safetyimplementing risks, for example you use machinery or a positive mental health culture and for hazardous materials then you are more likely to Aid forfirst Mental Health within an organisation. need aFirst trained aider.

63

64

MANUAL HANDLING

Manual Handling

2

As an employer you may need to protect your employees from the risk of injury through manual handling tasks in the workplace.

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, as amended in 2002 (‘the Regulations’) apply to a wide range of manual handling activities, including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or carrying.

Incorrect manual handling is one of the most common causes of injury at work. It causes work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) which account for over a third of all workplace injuries.

Manual handling injuries can occur with people working – on farms and building sites, in factories, offices, warehouses, and while making deliveries. Heavy manual labour, awkward postures, manual materials handling, and previous or existing injury are all risk factors in developing MSDs.

Manual Handling Awareness - ½ day For those who wish to gain an insight into manual handling at an introductory awareness level.

Safe Lifting Techniques with problem solving – 1 day This is designed for those who are involved in a lot of manual handling activity during their working day and covers the principles of correct lifting techniques, injuries caused by poor manual handling and how to lift and carry loads within your own personal capacity.

65

North East Industrial Door Services Ltd are an industrial door company based in Ellon, Aberdeenshire.

Our services include the installation, maintenance & repair of all: • • • • •

Roller Shutter Doors Overhead Sectional Doors Fire Exit & Personnel Doors Garage Doors High Speed Doors

We also offer a 24/7 emergency call out service.

Please give us a call or drop us an email for a free quotation!

Address: 2 Hospital Court, Hospital Road, Ellon, AB41 9AW Tel: 01358 724641 Mobile: 07813104586 Email: northeastindustrialdoorservices@outlook.com

66

SPRAYER OPERATOR COURSES

Pesticides

3

ISSUES, IONS AND IDEAS This year’s course has been divided into 4 sections and will firstly consider Current Issues that affect us locally and nationally. This will be followed with a section on Water Conditioning then on to Maintenance and Cleaning. The course will finish with a discussion on Technology and Top-Tips.

As always, the course is designed to be interactive and participative and will award candidates with 10 NRoSO points and 8 BASIS points.

We have a total of 21 venues for you to choose from and intend on running a morning and afternoon session at most venues to accommodate your needs.

785

CANDIDATES TRAINED IN 12 MONTHS

MAY

Musselburgh

26th

Ellon

27th

Keith

28th

Coupar Angus

29th

JUNE

Inverurie

1st

Kelso

2nd

Laurencekirk

3rd

Falkirk

5th

High calibre trainers!

Scottish Quality Crops (SQC) is Scotland’s Major Combinable Crops Farm Assurance Scheme.

SQC has utilised the services of Ringlink to deliver our Sprayer Operator Course for many years.Training is imperative to attain safe usage of pesticides and maximise the efficiency of equipment, the training delivery supplied by the Ringlink team is highly regarded by SQC and the Agricultural industry due to utilisation of high calibre trainers. Over the last 10 years, in excess of 9,000 delegates have attended the “SQC” Sprayer Operator Course which has been organised and delivered by Ringlink. Ringlink take involvement with our course from conception to delivery, taking service to a new level.

Alistair Ewan Executive Director SQC

67

68

ATV’S & 4x4 OFF ROAD DRIVING

4x4

ATV

4

What will you get from it?

•

Comply with legal requirements with an emphasis on safe practice.

•

Identify the risks associated with using the machine.

•

Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) if needed.

•

Understand the main causes of accidents.

•

Identify the controls and components.

•

Understand the function of all instruments.

•

Carry out daily checks as indicated in the operator’s manual.

•

Carry out appropriate pre-start checks.

•

Identify and report any faults.

•

Start up and drive over a variety of terrain and ground conditions.

•

Carry out a ‘failed hill’ climb.

•

Carry out a risk assessment and plan the route.

•

Operate the machine safely on a variety of slopes and terrain.

•

Identify loading/towing capacities.

•

Drive with loads and trailed equipment.

•

Understand legal and practical requirements for travelling on the public road.

•

Identify track profile and weight transfer.

Sit Astride ATV

Sit in Skid Steer Sit In Conventional Steer 4x4

69

230

CANDIDATES TRAINED IN 12 MONTHS ON 82 COURSES

Inverness Inverness Inverness Elgin Elgin Elgin Peterhead Peterhead Peterhead Alford Alford Aberdeen Alford Aberdeen Forfar Aberdeen Forfar Perth Forfar Stirling Perth

Perth Stirling Stirling

Breakdown Control : 0131 334 7387 (opt 2) : Breakdown Control

Breakdown Control : 0131 334 7387 (opt 2) 0131 334 7387 (opt 2) 24hr Contact : 07831 236260 07876 648577 24hr Contact : 07831 236260 07876 648577

Email: enquiries@redpathtyres.net www.redpathtyres.com

24hr Contact : 07831 236260 07876 648577 Email: enquiries@redpathtyres.net www.redpathtyres.com Email: enquiries@redpathtyres.net www.redpathtyres.com 70

DRIVER CPC

Driver CPC

5

Periodic training is continuing professional development for bus, coach and lorry drivers.

It carries on throughout the professional driver’s career – no matter how infrequently they drive. The minimum length of a training course is seven hours.

Driver CPC requires all professional bus, coach and lorry drivers to complete a minimum of 35 hours periodic training every five years for as long as they wish to continue to drive professionally.

Periodic training is designed to complement the individual driver’s work and be relevant to their every day job. Courses may include fuel efficient driving style training, defensive driving techniques, first aid, health and safety, driver’s hours regulations and tachographs. Courses will also enable drivers to keep up to date with changing regulations. The next deadline is September 2024, it is important to ensure that sufficient training is completed before this deadline to remain compliant. The syllabus broadly covers: We booked on to a training course using Ringlink. The way in which the course was presented was very good!

A relaxed but thorough full day course, learning new techniques, and revisiting previous lessons learned. It was definitely one of the best delivered courses, in terms of knowledge sharing, that we have been on.

Ian McHattie

SAFE AND FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING LEGAL REQUIREMENTS HEALTH AND SAFETY, SERVICE AND LOGISTICS 71

864 CANDIDATES TRAINED IN 12 MONTHS

PJ Gaul & Co FIREWOOD PROCESSING AND EQUIPMENT SALES Contact Alan Gaul

Mobile :07875 499259 Email: alan@gaulturriff.co.uk

Firewood Processing (Mobile)

Firewood Equipment Sales and Service

Big Capacity Balfor Pro 22 tonne Horizontal Log Splitter

Balfor Firewood equipment sales and servicing .

Log splitters available from 7 tonne to 45 tonne capacity Full range of Saw Benches . Electric, Petrol or Tractor Driven.

Firewood processors and forestry winches.

High output mobile Posch s-375 log processor

72

FORKLIFT TRAINING

Forklift

6

What will you get from it?

•

•

• • • •

• • • • • • • • •

Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges.

Identify and comply with manufacturers’ instructions in accordance with the operator’s handbook, other information sources such as rating plates, and applicable regulations.

Carry out all pre-use and running checks.

Configure the forklift for travel.

Manoeuvre the forklift both with and without a load.

Manoeuvre in confined areas using forward and reverse direction, both with and without a load.

Set up the forklift in order to lift various loads.

Lift various loads within the full working range of the forklift.

Ensure load integrity and security.

Transport loads.

Place and retrieve loads accurately at various places.

Place and retrieve loads from a vehicle bed or trailer.

Keep within safe working parameters.

Place the forklift in an out-of-service condition.

Explain the loading and unloading procedure on and off a transporter.

Counterbalance

Rough Terrain Telescopic

Rough Terrain Masted

525

CANDIDATES TRAINED IN 12 MONTHS

Sideloader

Reach Truck

Pallet Stacker Lorry Mounted Lift Truck 73

Rely on Ringlink FOR SERVICES, SUPPORT & SOLUTIONS

Animal feeds

Malting Barley

For Sale

Fertiliser

Labour

Insurance

Tyres

Special offers

Storage

Straw/Hay Bales

Haulage

Fuel

Training

Vehicles

Grain

Building & Fencing SUPPLIES

Electricity/ Utilities

Land Rental

Machinery/plant

Forestry services

m o d we

you know n a h t ore

ADVERTISE WITH US laurencekirk@ringlinkscotland.co.uk

74

MOWERS Mowers

7

What will you get from it?

• • • • • • • • • • •

Identify the risks associated with the use of mowers.

Select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Identify and understand the function of all instruments and controls.

Carry out daily checks as indicated in the operator’s manual.

Carry out pre-start checks.

Identify and report any faults.

Adjust the cutting mechanism to achieve the required standard.

Operate the machine in a safe and competent manner.

Perform after-use maintenance.

Understand requirements for travelling on the public road.

CANDIDATES Be able to load and transport the machine (if appropriate).

99

Five stars Ringlink!

TRAINED IN 12 MONTHS

Thank you Ringlink, in particular Debbie, for sorting out an issue not created by Ringlink.You certainly went the extra mile to get everything sorted. Five stars Ringlink! Always nice friendly and helpful staff.

John McOuat on behalf of Robert McOuat & Sons

Pedestrian Mowers

Ride On Mowers

Tractor Mounted Mowers

75

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Stock Fencing Silage Wrap & Covers Gates Honda ATV’s & Trailers

Ÿ General Purpose &

Commercial Trailers Ÿ Hire Equipment Ÿ Servicing & Parts Ÿ Livestock Trailers

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Hydraulics Oil & Lubricants Feed Equipment Clothing & Footwear Crystalyx Blocks

FOR ALL YOUR

AGRICULTURAL NEEDS

MACGREGOR INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES LTD INVERNESS: 15-17 Henderson Road, Longman Industrial Estate, Inverness, IV1 1SN, tel. 01463 717 999 ELGIN: 16-18 Perimeter Road, Pinefield Industrial Estate, Elgin, IV30 6AF, tel. 01343 541 424 ABERDEEN: Hareness Road, Altens Industrial Estate, Aberdeen, AB12 3LE, 01224 896 406 sales@macgregorsupplies.co.uk

www.macgregorsupplies.co.uk

76

PESTICIDES Pesticides

8

what will you get from it?

When you’ve completed this training, you will be able to: •

Understand your duties under the law and help you become a safe and competent pesticide user.

•

Understand what pesticides are and their ‘field of use’.

•

State legislation relevant to pesticide application.

•

Interpret and use label information.

•

Take the appropriate action to protect themselves and the environment.

•

Store and transport pesticides safely.

•

Dispose of the pesticides and containers safely.

•

Identify and describe how spraying and applicator equipment works.

•

Prepare and set up spraying machines.

•

Set and calibrate the machine for a given application.

•

Fill spraying equipment safely.

•

Clean and decontaminate all the equipment safely.

•

Achieve the required spray quality.

•

Carry out pre-start checks.

•

Select the correct PPE.

PA1 Safe use of pesticides PA2 Ground Crop Sprayers PA4 Granular Applicators and Slug Pelleters PA6 Handheld Applicators

PASC POWDER APPLICATOR 77

352

PAI CANDIDATES TRAINED IN 12 MONTHS

RTS Forestry Trees and Timber  We will provide no obligation quotations for new planting, grant applications and timber harvesting.  Offer fixed price to fell, replant and maintain your woodland for five years.  Experienced biomass managers.  Create your own biomass resource using fast-growing eucalyptus, spruce and alder. Harvest thinnings within 10 years.  Source additional biomass to fill gaps in your own production.  Established since 1984 Moray, Kincardine & Aberdeenshire Deeside Activity Park, Dess, Aboyne AB34 5BD Tel: 01339 885335 Email: Oli. Hands@rts.ltd.uk Angus, Perth & Fife Earnside House, Muthill Road, Crieff PH7 4HQ Tel: 01764 652858 Email: harry.wilson@rts.ltd.uk

78

FORESTRY TRAINING

Forestry Training

9

WHAT WILL YOU GET FROM IT? When you’ve completed this training, you will be able to: •

Identify the risk assessment and emergency procedures on a worksite.

•

Organise site safety and state the procedures required.

•

Assess the trees to be felled for hazards and risks.

•

Fell standing and windblown trees depending on how many courses you do.

•

De-limb felled trees in a safe and methodical manner.

•

Cross-cut timber accurately to required lengths.

•

Assess and explain the terms tension and compression in timber.

•

Adopt safe procedures to remove a trapped guide bar.

•

Handle and stack timber in a safe manner.

•

Check on the safety of takedown tools.

•

Identify the necessary personal protective equipment required, report on its condition and locate the various standard marks.

•

Identify health and safety features on a chainsaw.

•

Prepare the chainsaw for use with the correct fuel/oil mix and chain lubrication.

•

State the possible hazards/risks when carrying out maintenance or operational tasks.

•

Carry out all routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction book.

Maintenance and Cross cutting Felling small trees up to 380mm Felling trees above 380mm Felling windblown trees 79

SEEING LAND & RURAL BUSINESS THROUGH MANY LENSES Clive Phillips PARTNER +44 (0)1224 392 281 clive.phillips@brodies.com

Lynne Murray SENIOR ASSOCIATE +44 (0)1224 392 259 lynne.murray@brodies.com

Legal Advisor of the year – Deals and Dealmakers Awards 2019

80

Jennifer Stevenson SENIOR ASSOCIATE +44 (0)1224 392 535 jennifer.stevenson@brodies.com

ARBORICULTURE Utility Arboriculture

Chainsaw

10

WHAT WILL YOU GET FROM IT When you’ve completed this training, you will be able to: • Promote health and safety and good industry practice.

• Understand the safety considerations to be observed in organising a worksite.

• Access a tree using a rope and harness.

• Carry our aerial rescue operations.

• Understand the legislation and safety guidelines pertaining to the use of a chainsaw

from a rope and harness.

• Understand how to carry out aerial cutting of trees with a chainsaw using free fall

techniques.

• Understand pruning principles.

• Carry out different forms of pruning.

• Understand how trees deal with wounding.

• Use and maintain a range of pruning equipment.

• Gain knowledge and understanding across a range of forestry and arboriculture

functions and activities.

• Work effectively in a forestry and arboriculture environment, both independently and

as part of a team.

• Review and develop your own practices and carry out a range of practical forestry

and arboriculture tasks, to the required industry standard.

• Understand how to carry out aerial pruning of a tree.

• Understand how to carry out aerial tree rigging.

Tree climbing and aerial rescue

Aerial cutting of tree with a chainsaw using free fall techniques Aerial Tree Rigging Aerial Tree Pruning 81

WE COVER SMALL FARMS, LARGE FARMS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN The UK’s leading rural insurer At NFU Mutual we offer tailored insurance and a local service.

We cover all farms from poultry and sheep to arable and horticulture.

Contact your local Agent today and find out more: Call Gill Carnegie on 01561 378 117 or email laurencekirk@nfumutual.co.uk Brae Cottage, Station Road, Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire, AB30 1BE

Our Agents are appointed representatives of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England.

Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. A member of the Association of British Insurers.

D-C1BFD3A8

15232_AGENT_TEMPLATE_EVERYTHING_COVERED_210x297mm_TRACTOR.indd 1

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10/06/2019 11:55

HEALTH & SAFETY:

AGRICULTURE & HORTICULTURE

H&S Health & Safety

11

This one day course will support the development of knowledge and understanding of health & safety within Agriculture and Horticulture.

Target audience: This course will benefit those who are looking to join the sector, those who are new to the sector and those who wish to progress within the sector.

Employers within this sector will benefit from ensuring their practices, procedures and people comply with health and safety legislation and good practice.

Learners wishing to proceed to accredited qualifications will benefit from this course’s inclusive and engaging approach.

Description: Over the last decade this sector has consistently seen some of the highest numbers of occupational deaths of any employment sector in the UK. This sector is also one of the few which routinely has to cope with children and non-occupational individuals either visiting or living on site.

This course will support the development of knowledge and understanding of health & safety within this sector. Critically, this knowledge and understanding will be developed in such a way as to promote consistent, real-world application of good health and safety practice and compliance in accordance with law.

83

your land, your rights... “The strategic advice and support we received was invaluable and the result well beyond our expectations�

Your local Rural Practice Chartered Surveyor and renowned expert in the field with regards to compensation claims, renewable energy, infrastructure projects and utilities crossing private land.

Cameron are ready to advise and guide you through this complex process and help you achieve the best possible outcome.

25+ years experience | specialist advice and solutions roads, cables, pipelines | fees often all paid by authority farming clients across the North

Call us for a chat today

01667 404 333

www.cameronproperty.co.uk Regulated by RICS

84

HEALTH & SAFETY: RISK ASSESSMENT

H&S Health & Safety

12

11

Risk Assessment you need to do...

WHATWhat YOU NEED TO DO...

The Health and Safety at Work 1974 (HSW Act)and andthe the Management of Health The Health and Safety at Work ActAct 1974 (HSW Act) Management of Health andRegulations Safety at Work Regulations 1999on place and Safety at Work 1999 place duties companies and individuals dutiesto onensure companies individuals to ensure adequate provision made at for work. health thatand adequate provision is that made for health and issafety and safety at work. Employers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, Employers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and safety and welfare of employees and any others who may be affected by what they do. This welfare of employees and any others who may be aected by what they do. This includes employees, any casual workers, part-timers, trainees, customers or contractors. It includes anybecasual part-timers, customers or will also includeemployees, those who may affectedworkers, by work activities, e.g.trainees, neighbours, sales people contractors. will also include those who may be aected by work activities, e.g. and members of theIt public. neighbours, sales people and members of the public.

COURSE DETAILS Course Details

This course has been designed to make participants aware of the legislative requirements This course has been designed towith make participants aware of theimplementing legislative for carrying out a risk assessment together a practical approach towards a site requirements specific risk assessment. for carrying out a risk assessment together with a practical approach towards a site specific assessment.

Although the course hasimplementing been developed to meet therisk specific requirements associated with farm assurance, the course content and format will also be of value to individuals and Although the course has been developed to meet the specific requirements organisations requiring a greater insight into the preparation of a risk assessment. associated with farm assurance, the course content and format will also be of value to individuals and organisations requiring a greater insight into the preparation of a risk assessment.

85

RAMCLEAN

TAILORED SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY BUSINESS

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Risk Assessments to determine your needs Public Safety Assessments to protect visitors or contractors at your business Guidelines and strategies for a Safe and Healthy Work Environment ww

w. ra

Environmental Services for eco-friendly waste management solutions m

cl

ea

n.

co

contact us for more information today

.u

k

01241 828600

RAMCLEAN HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

R

amclean Health, Safety and Environmental services was established in 1989 primarily covering Waste Management.

Over me, par cularly during the last 12 years, we have focused on Safety Systems for agricultural and industrial businesses.

Through posi�ve recommenda�ons, we have expanded our business to include se�ng up robust systems for farms and businesses that range from single owner/operators to companies with over 400 employees.

The system we deliver to you is tailored to individual requirements, meets all current legisla�ve requirements and is clear and easy to follow. Importantly, our systems are scalable to both meet your needs and suit your budget.

The typical system includes all Risk Assessments, Manual Handling, COSHH, Audits, Inspec�ons and Tool Box Talks required for the safe and compliant opera�on of your business, even extending to cover procedures and guidelines. The assessments cover all tasks carried out and

equipment used, including fire and awareness training. The personnel you will deal with are experienced and competent in your opera�ng environment. We understand the unique differences that exist between the varied farming and business opera�ons you undertake.

The system is designed to be responsive and flexible. As such, we build in regular consulta�on to allow us to proac�vely and speedily respond to any queries that may arise.

As an exis�ng member of the NFU and Machinery Rings in

86

Scotland, we have a proven track record and the ability to deliver.

Contac�ng us and engaging our services is easy. To further underscore our commitment to high quality customer service, we offer an ini�al consulta�on to determine your individual requirements, absolutely free of charge. Contrast this with the catastrophic consequences of not having a safe system of work and a safety-focused workforce. These failures could ul�mately cost a fortune or lead to death or injury.

We mi�gate that risk.

TRAILER TOWING (B + E) Trailer Towing (B+E)

13

On 1st January, 1997 the new driving licence regulations came into force. Drivers sitting and passing their driving test from this date no longer had the ‘grandparents rights’ categories included on their licence, they only have category B on their licence unless they sit further tests. This does not preclude holders of a category B licence from towing trailers. There are however certain rules to be adhered to and anomalies to bear in mind.

Category B licence holders can drive a vehicle up to 3,500kg gvw whilst towing a trailer of no more than 750kg gross weight. It is therefore acceptable to drive a van of 3,500kg whilst towing a trailer of 750kg, giving a maximum authorised mass, (MAM), of 4,250kg.

Category B licence holders can also drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 3,500kg MAM provided the weight of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle and all manufacturers guidelines and construction and use requirements are complied with.

Examples of this would be; Towing vehicle of 1,500kg unladen weight can tow a trailer up to 1500kg giving MAM of 3,000kg. Does not exceed 3,500kg.

Towing vehicle of 2,000kg unladen weight can tow a trailer up to 1,500kg giving MAM of 3,500kg. Does not exceed 3,500kg.

Towing vehicle of 3,000kg unladen weight can only tow a trailer up to 750kg giving MAM of 3,750kg.

Where the weight of the trailer exceeds the unladen weight of the towing vehicle or the combination of the towing vehicle and a trailer in excess of 750kg exceeds 3,500 kg, then drivers require to hold category B+E entitlement on their licence.

Training is available for this throughout Scotland including Inverness, Elgin, Aberdeen, Perth and Livingston.

124

CANDIDATES TRAINED IN 12 MONTHS 87

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The only pure live yeast product on the UK market approved for Dairy Cows, Beef Cattle & Calves, Sheep, Goats and Horses.

For more information call Alec Ross: Biocell Agri Limited 07718 905 625 | www.biocellagri.com biocellagri@btinternet.com

88

i

OTHER TRAINING

Enquiries

Other courses that can be arranged include: Abrasive Wheels Mig Welding Arc Welding Risk Assessment Site Safety Awareness Working at Heights IOSH Working Safely IOSH Managing Safely Health and Safety – Landscaping Health and Safety – Fencing Carriage of Dangerous Goods (ADR) Lorry Driving Aluminium Towers (PASMA) Please contact the office for any other training enquiries not mentioned in the handbook

Very professional service!

Ringlink provide a very professional service in regards to the training they are providing to us.

Their instructors are very practical and down to earth and make the training accessible to all. Also doing the training on site is a benefit to the company; all in all we are happy with the competitive service they provide.

Centre Operations Manager, ANM Group Ltd, Thainstone

89

14

E-LEARNING...

OPTIONS TO PUT YOU IN CONTROL OF YOUR LEARNING Lantra has recently developed a range of ‘E-Learning’ training events that offer a flexible, convenient and effective method of learning new skills and knowledge.

You can learn in the comfort of your own home and progress at your own pace. You can also fit your learning around your work and it removes the need for travel costs and printed materials, all of which help save you money and increase workplace productivity!

Plus, when you’ve completed the course online, you’ll instantly receive your certificate.

Currently there are 17 courses available which include the following: •

Rodent Control on Farms - This CRRU (Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use) approved course is ideal

for farmers as well as professional pest controllers

•

Responsible and Effective Control of Commensal Rodents - This CRRU approved course is designed for professional pest controllers as well

as anyone working in facilities management

•

Professional Wasp and Bee Control - For pest controller or others who handle pesticides as part of small pest control

•

Professional Bed Bug Control - Ideal for pest controllers or hotels looking to raise awareness of Bed Bugs and

controls required

•

Health and Safety on Farms - Providing Farmers with an introduction to risks and how to manage and control

them

•

Litter Picking and Environmental Maintenance - To raise awareness of the risks and control measures required for litter pickers.

The course meets the litter picking and environmental awareness requirements

for LISS / CSCS card and Highways England passport.

90

•

Food Handling and Hygiene - Provides the necessary information in relation to food contamination, allergens,

the food chain, bacteria and temperature.

•

Introduction to Agricultural Vehicles - This course is designed to introduce and familiarise employees and contractors with

agricultural vehicles, implements and trailers.

•

Non-Technical Skills in Farming - Developed in partnership with Dr Amy Irwin from Aberdeen University, this course

focuses on the delivery of essential non-technical skills on farms.

The Animal Medicines Best Practice (AMBP) training programme was developed in partnership with stakeholders from across the food supply chain to provide robust training that represents current best practice in the use of medicines on farm. Courses include:

- AMBP - Antibiotics in Dairy

- AMBP - Antibiotics in Pigs

- AMBP - Antibiotics in Beef

- AMBP - Antibiotics in Sheep

- AMBP - Vet Resource Centre - The species covered in this resource centre are: Beef, Dairy, Pigs and Sheep.

•

LODI Rodent Control on Farms - LODI Customers Only

•

LODI Responsible and Effective Control of Commensal Rodents- LODI Customers Only

Whether you’re an expert in chainsaws or skilled in plant and machinery, a specialist in pest control or know your way around a tractor, why not become a Lantra Instructor? Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of working for yourself, putting your practical skills to good use and training the next generation of learners.

91

Time to change your view? n n n n

Farm & Estate Sales & Acquisitions Property & Land Management Renewable Energy Rural Management

n n n n

Agricultural Loans Sales & Lettings Sporting Subsidy Trading & Advice

Call Rod Christie in our Elgin office on 01343 546 362 or visit our website for a full list of our services and contact details and allow us to change your view.

Offices across Scotland & Northern England | galbraithgroup.com

92

TRAINING INSTRUCTOR PROFILE Name: Steven Myers Based: Bridge of Cally, Perthshire Job role: Freelance Lantra Instructor in Safe use of Pesticides, Applying Pesticides by Knapsack/boom sprayer, First Aid at Work (both 3 day and 1 day courses including Forestry), Woodchipper Operations and Pole Pruning Saw. How did you get into the role?: I worked 23 years for Glenshee Chairlift Company as a Ski Patroller which gave me a wealth of experience in outdoor first aid/rescue. During this period, the company built an 18 hole golf course in Alyth which gave me an opportunity to train in Golf Course Maintenance at Elmwood College. Since those days I have worked many years in management and training for grounds maintenance companies, which gave me a wealth of hands on experience for my current role.

In an average week, how many hours do you work and how many miles do you travel?: I work Monday to Fridays most weeks and cover all of Scotland including Northern and Western Isles, and North England, about 25,000 miles per year. I travel mainly by car as I often need training kit with me e.g. CPR dummies/ knapsack sprayers etc.

Advice for anyone thinking of becoming an Instructor?: Focus on teaching the skills that you are good at and enjoy doing. This will help your training delivery to have more energy and passion which will result in students getting more from the courses. Use real-life stories (no names mentioned) to add interest and highlight the importance of some of the key training points.

What are the best and worst bits about your job?: Best bits are travelling, meeting new people and helping students develop their skills. Can’t think of any worst bits as I’m really enjoying the variety and flexibility of my current role, but I do miss home life on occasions if I’m away for several days.

What’s the funniest or strangest thing that has ever happened on one of your courses?: Recently on a First aid course a young female student was delivering CPR to the mannequin dummy and when she finished the mouth to mouth ventilations, there was a large red ring of lipstick left on the dummy which caused a great laugh at the time.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?: I’m a long-time member of Braemar Golf Club and like to get up to Braemar on a Saturday and meet my pals for 18 holes. Also I love to walk locally with my wife (Liz) and two Golden Retrievers (Hector & Herby).

Do you have any plans for the future?: I’m hoping to become a City and Guilds assessor in Pesticides during 2020 and I’m also planning to put ski’s on my feet again for the first time for many years.

93

TIME TO RENEW YOUR ELECTRICITY? WE CAN OFFER YOU • Hassle free switching • Local point of contact including ongoing bill management • Multiple sites - consolidate to one expiry date

RELY ON RINGLINK...

for services, support and solutions

Tel: 01561 376012

utilities@ringlinkscotland.co.uk 94

Every Drop Counts Let ManageYour YourWater Water Let Ringlink Ringlink Manage

WE CAN OFFER YOU • Significant savings • Easy transfer • Bi-annual meter readings • Local point of contact with ongoing bill management

RELY ON RINGLINK...

for services, support and solutions

Tel: 01561 376012

utilities@ringlinkscotland.co.uk 95

96

DRIVING AGE RESTRICTIONS Entitlement to drive certain categories of vehicles is in some instances dependant on the date of passing the appropriate driving test. The minimum age limits which apply to key categories are as follow: CATEGORY DESCRIPTION MINIMUM AGE

A

Motor bicycles

17-21*

AM

Moped, with a maximum designed speed over 25km/h but no more than 45km/h

16

B

Goods vehicles not over 3.5t and passenger vehicle with no more than nine seats (including the driver’s seat).

A trailer up to 750k may be towed.

Trailers over 750kg may be towed provided certain conditions are met.

17

B+E

Combination of a vehicle in category B and a trailer over 750kg.

17

B1

Sub-category of B. Motor vehicles having three or four wheels and an unladen weight not over 550kg.

17

C

Goods vehicles over 3.5t. A trailer up to 750kg may be towed.

18-21*

C+E

Combination of a vehicle in category C and a trailer over 750kg. This covers both articulated and drawbar combinations.

18-21*

C1

Goods vehicles over 3.5t but not over 7.5t.

A trailer upto 750kg may be towed.

18-21*

97

98

DRIVING AGE RESTRICTIONS CATEGORY DESCRIPTION MINIMUM AGE C1 +E

Combination of a vehicle in category C1 and a trailer over 750 kg but not more than the un-laden weight of the drawing vehicle. The total combination may not exceed 12 tonne.

18-21*

D

Passenger vehicle with more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat. A trailer up to 750kg may be towed.

18-21*

D+E

Combination of a category D vehicle with a trailer over 750kg.

18-21*

D1

Sub-category of D. Passenger vehicle with more than eight seats but no more than 16 seats in addition to the driver’s seat. A trailer up to 750kg may be towed.

18-21*

D1+E

Combination of a vehicle in category D1 and a trailer with a MAM over 750kg but not more than the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle. The total combination MAM may not exceed 12 tonne.

18-21*

F

Agricultural Tractor. You can apply for a provisional tractor entitlement then take a test to drive tractors less than 2.45m wide and towing trailer less than 2.45m wide with 2 wheels or 4 close-coupled wheels.

16

Agricultural Tractor - any size

17

The above table is for guidance only, full details can be found on: www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories *age restrictions may apply 99

DRIVING AGE RESTRICTIONS FARM VEHICLES ON THE ROAD

OFF-ROAD

FARM VEHICLES ON THE ROAD

Licence Age VEHICLE LICENCE AGE Category

Vehicle

CATEGORY

Restrictions

OFF-ROAD Age

RESTRICTIONS AGE

13

16 31,000kgs maximum tractor and trailer weight Age Requirements

16

Certificate of competence required

16

Certificate of competence required

16

Certificate of competence required

16

Adequate training required

16

Certificate of competence required

16

Certificate of competence required

Licence Age Category

F

Restrictions

FARM VEHICLES ON31,000kgs THE ROAD maximum tractor F

17

F

OFF-ROAD Certificate of competence required

and trailer weight

17

Licence Up to 400kgs or 550kgs Age Restrictions B1Category 17 unladen if designed to carry

Vehicle

FARM VEHICLES ON THE ROAD loads

Very limited in what Up to 400kgsrequired. or 550kgs Age Age PTO driven Requirements or 4 close-coupled 13 F 16 2 wheelsRestrictions equipment can be Category B1 Upwheels 17(nounladen if designed to carry more than used. Fertiliser spreaders, B 17 to 3.5t rakes or hay bobs 840mm apart) Up to 2.45m wide, trailer Certificate of competence loads Certificate of competence CertificateVery of competence 31,000kgs tractor 16 B 18 Between 7.5t wide also3.5t up and tomaximum 2.45m with required. limited in what

16 required 17 required and trailer weight or 4 close-coupled 13 PTO driven 16 2 wheels equipment can be B 21 Above 7.5t (no more than wheels used. Fertiliser spreaders, Up to840mm 400kgs apart) or 550kgs rakes or hay bobs B1 17 unladen if designed to carry Certificate competence 31,000kgs tractor FARM VEHICLES ON THE ROADmaximum OFF-ROAD Certificate ofof competence loads F 17 1616 Speed restrictions vary weight required and trailer required 16 Adequate training required B 21 F F

B

17

Certificate of competence required. Very limited in what PTO driven equipment can be used. Fertiliser spreaders, rakes or hay bobs

Certificate of competence OFF-ROAD required Certificate of competence

16

Up to 2.45m wide, trailer

also up to 2.45m wide with Above 550kgs

B Licence 17

Vehicle

REQUIREMENTS

OFF-ROAD Up to 2.45m wide, trailer also up to 2.45m wide with Age Requirements 2 wheels Certificate or 4 close-coupled FUp to 2.45m 16 wide, trailer of competence also up to 2.45m wide with wheels required. limited in what (noVerymore than 13 PTO driven equipment can be 16 2 wheels or 4 close-coupled wheels (no more than used.

Fertiliser spreaders, 840mm apart) rakes or hay bobs 840mm apart)

FARM VEHICLES ON THE ROAD Vehicle

Requirements

Above 550kgs

depending on width.

Vehicle

Licence B 17Age Up to Above 550kgs 400kgs or 550kgs Restrictions Age Requirements Category B1 17 unladen if designed to carry Certificate of competence loads B17 17 Up Up Up to 3.5t 16 B to 3.5t to 2.45m wide, trailer Certificate of competence required competence also up to 2.45m wide withCertificate of Certificate required. limited in what of Very competence B Between and 7.5t 16 required B18F 18 3.5t 7.5t16 17 Above 23.5t wheels or550kgs 4and close-coupled 13 PTO driven 16 Between equipment can be required wheels (no more than used.

Fertiliser spreaders, B 21 Above 7.5t B 21 Above rakes or hay bobs 840mm B 17 Up to 7.5t 3.5tapart) 17 H

B

F

B

17

Up to 3.5t

B

18

Between 3.5t and 7.5t

B21 B B1

B B B B

B

Certificate of competence 31,000kgs maximum tractor Up to 3.5t 16 Certificate of competence and trailer weight Certificate 16 of competence required Between 3.5t and 7.5t 16 required required Speed restrictions vary 16 Adequate training required Up to 400kgs or 550kgs 21 No restrictions.

B 1817 21

21

Above 7.5t

Aboveon7.5t depending width.

17 unladen if designed to carry loads

21

16 Adequatevary training required Speed restrictions Certificate of competence 16 required depending on width.

21 1718

B B

17 Up to 3.5t 7.5t7.5t 1821 BetweenAbove 3.5t and

H

21 B 21

B

B B

B

B

17 18

16 16 16

Speed restrictions vary Up to 3.5t depending on width.

18

21

16

Adequate training required Certificate of competence required

Between 3.5t and 7.5t

21

Between 3.5t and 7.5t

Above16 7.5tCertificate of competence required

Above 7.5t

17

Up to 3.5t

Up to 3.5t

H

16 21

Certificate of competence required Certificate of competence Certificate required of competence required

Up to 3.5t 16

No restrictions.

Up to 3.5t

21 17

H

Above 7.5t Between 3.5t and 7.5t Up to 3.5t

Above 7.5t No restrictions.

17

1721

B

H

Certificate of competence required

restrictions vary 17 17 SpeedUp to 3.5t Above 550kgs 21 depending on width.

Between 3.5t and 7.5t 17 Up to 3.5t

B 18

B B B

B

16

Certificate of competence required

No restrictions.

21

No restrictions.

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GENERAL HAULAGE GUIDE The Legislation covering goods vehicles is very extensive and includes everything from driving licence requirements to hazardous and abnormal loads. The information below is provided as a general guide to assist your business to operate safely and within the law.

DRIVING LICENCES In order to drive a heavy goods vehicle, you must hold a licence authorising you to drive that particular class of vehicle. The categories are broken down as follows: • Category C1 - rigid goods vehicle exceeding 3,500 but not exceeding 7,500 kg • Category C1E - rigid goods vehicle as above (C1) plus a trailer (E).

If your driving test was passed prior to 1 January 1997 both of the above categories will appear on your ‘ordinary’ car driving licence and you are legally entitled to drive those classes of vehicle. However, this will be subject to a code 107 ‘restriction’ which means the combined vehicle and trailer must not exceed 8,250kg. This effectively means that you can only tow a trailer of 750 kg, should you wish to tow a larger trailer (over 750 kg) then you must sit and pass a further driving test for an unrestricted C1E entitlement which will allow you to drive a combination up to 12,000kg.

•

Category C - rigid goods vehicle exceeding 7,500 kg.

•

Category CE - articulated goods vehicle.

MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS (unless otherwise displayed)

Up to 7,500 kg

Single carriageway

50 mph

Dual carriageway

60 mph

Motorway

70 mph

Over 7,500 kg

Single carriageway

40 mph

Dual carriageway

50 mph

Motorway

60 mph 101

All your Rely on Ringlink... ntracts in Utility Contracts ne place for your

Electric

Hassle free switching Local point of contact

Water

All your contracts in one place

e team help you... , simple, Gassorted

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01561 376012

utilities@ringlinkscotland.co.uk 102

GENERAL HAULAGE GUIDE GOODS IN TRANSIT It is important to be aware that goods being transported come under a separate insurance policy known as Goods in Transit (GiT) and not the motor vehicle cover.

In most cases hauliers have adequate cover and there is never an issue but if high value goods are being hauled it is important to make sure the Haulier has adequate cover and under what conditions they adhere to ie. RHA, FTA. It is also essential to have adequate GiT insurance cover when transporting your own goods.

TACHOGRAPHS Most vehicles used for the carriage of goods by road and with a maximum permissible weight (including any trailer or semi-trailer) of over 3.5 tonnes are in scope of the European Union rules. ‘Carriage by road’ is defined as: ‘any journey entirely or in part made on roads open to the public of a vehicle, laden or unladen, used for the carriage of passengers or goods.’

‘Off-road’ driving is in scope where it forms part of a journey that also takes place on public roads. Journeys made that are entirely ‘off-road’ are out of scope of the EU rules.

There are several Agricultural exemptions from the Tachograph requirements. These are:

•

Vehicles used or hired without a driver by agricultural, horticultural, forestry, farming or fishery undertakings for carrying goods as part of their own entrepreneurial activity within a radius of 100 km from the base of the undertaking.

• Agricultural tractors and forestry tractors used for agricultural or forestry activities within a 100 km radius from the base of the undertaking that owns, hires or leases the tractor.

• Vehicles that are used to carry live animals between a farm and a market or from a market to a slaughterhouse where the distance between the farm and the

market or between the market and the slaughterhouse does not exceed 50 km.

• Vehicles being used to carry animal waste or carcasses that are not intended for human consumption.

Any other ‘agricultural’ use of a goods vehicle requires that you must use a tachograph.

This information was obtained from the DVLA, Department for Transport and VOSA.Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd accept no responsibility for the legal operation of your business. Further information is freely available from these organisation’s websites.

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HOME IN THE RANGER

AMAZING MEMBER DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE ON THE FORD RANGER Contact your local Ringlink office for full details. T & C’s apply Minimum membership of 6 months to qualify for discount

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Agricultural Vehicles… it’s the law The Legislation covering agricultural vehicles is complex and subject to change, due to the wide variety of vehicles used and their application. The information below is provided as a general guide to assist your business to operate safely and within the law.

SPEED LIMITS Less than 2.55m wide with 2 Sprung Axles Up to 3.5m wide

40mph 25mph

AGRICULTURAL TRAILERS - WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS WEIGHTS 18,290 kg is the maximum (gross or fully laden) weight of an agricultural trailer.

31,000 kg is the maximum (gross or fully laden) weight of an agricultural combination (tractor plus trailer).

LENGTHS The maximum length of an agricultural trailer is normally 12m. In the case of a “Composite trailer” (semi-trailer and converter dolly) the maximum length is 14.04m.

In the case of an Agricultural trailed appliance (with gross weight less than double the unladen weight) the maximum length is 15m.

WIDTHS • The maximum width is 2.55m. Under special circumstances, Agricultural vehicles wider than 2.55m are permitted to use public roads.

• Vehicles that are up to 4.3 metres in width are permitted, subject to the following terms and conditions: - between 2.55m and 3m: speed must not exceed 20mph.

- between 3m and 3.5m: speed max 20mph as above, plus if the journey is over 5 miles or the speed limit in the road is 40mph or lower, the operator must notify the Police in advance of the journey.

- between 3.5m and 4.3m: the Police must be notified, the maximum speed is limited to 12mph and the vehicle(s) must be accompanied by an attendant, who may ride in a different vehicle but must ensure no danger is caused to the vehicle or to other road users. The police, following notification, may place restrictions on the use of the vehicle in the interests of road safety or to avoid undue traffic congestion.

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CONCRETE BLOCKS - available ex-stock in various sizes and finishes.

LO-CO BLOCKS - the perfect solution for easy, rapid and solid construction. Suitable for storage bays for aggregates, grain, etc, ballast weights, retaining walls, temporary buildings, etc.

PRECAST CONCRETE PRODUCTS - over 150 different products including SILLS, LINTELS, COPING, SLABS, PIPES, MANHOLE RINGS, GARDEN EDGING, CATTLE TROUGHS IN A VARIETY OF SIZES (Sheep, 40, 100 & 300 Gallons) plus much more.

QUARRY PRODUCTS - all types of sand, gravel, crushed rock and specialist sands for commercial and domestic customers, delivered or collected.

READY-MIX CONCRETE available from our two facilities at MEMSIE, near FRASERBURGH and METHLICK (ELLON).

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We are now your local supplier of Cemfloor selflevelling concrete for underfloor heating systems.

Large stocks of all the above products are available and, as with all our products, delivery using our own fleet of mixers, tippers and flat-beds, with or without off-loading facilities, can easily be arranged.

Lovie Quarry & Concrete Products, Cowbog, New Pitsligo, Fraserburgh AB43 6PR Tel: 01771 653777

Email: sales@lovie.co.uk 106

Agricultural Vehicles… it’s the law TRAILER BRAKES The braking requirements depend on both the maximum weight, and the speed at which the trailer is towed at: • Agricultural trailed appliance (where gross weight is less than double the unladen

weight) - no brakes required if speed is kept to 20mph or below • Agricultural trailer with gross weight over 750kg but not used at speeds exceeding 20mph – brakes on at least half the wheels, with 25% efficiency, a parking brake on at least two wheels.

• Agricultural trailer or Agricultural trailed appliance exceeding 20 mph and grossweight above 3500kg - hydraulic / air brakes ROPES & SHEETS • Bags/Boxes/Bales must be secured with a rope/strap etc.

• Bulk Loads must be covered if material could be displaced.

NUMBER PLATES Trailer Number Plates must match a vehicle from the same firm.

LIGHTS/MIRRORS • Trailers: Rear Light Clusters & Front White Side Lights • Tractors: No rear facing White Lights switched on • Mirrors Un-obscured rearward vision beyond the vehicle • Mount Implements Projecting > 2in - Extra Rear Light Clusters AMBER BEACONS Always use flashing amber lights when driving on dual carriageways. If the trailer is higher than the beacon on your tractor, an additional beacon should be placed on the rear of the trailer to ensure you are clearly visible to other road users.

FUEL Rebated fuel (red diesel) may only be used for Agricultural vehicles whilst engaged in Agricultural activities. Derv must be used for all other vehicles / activities, except where an exemption exists.

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108

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Agricultural Vehicles… it’s the law ROAD TAX The following vehicles are exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty Tractors - used only for purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture or Forestry Off Road Tractors - one designed and constructed primarily for use otherwise than on roads, and incapable by reason of its construction of exceeding a speed of 25 mph on the level, under its own power.

Light Agricultural Vehicles - a vehicle which has a weight not exceeding 1,000 kilograms, is designed and constructed so as to seat only the driver, is designed and constructed primarily for use otherwise than on roads, and is used solely for purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture or forestry.

Other vehicles used between different parts of land - A vehicle is an exempt vehicle if: (a) it is used only for purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture or forestry (b) it is used on public roads only in passing between different areas of land occupied by the same person, and (c) the distance it travels on public roads in passing between any two such areas does not exceed 1.5 kilometres.

MUD ON ROAD “Mud on Roads” warning signs should be displayed. As soon as practical, all mud must be cleared off the road by sunset. It is an offence to deposit mud on the road and you could be charged by the Police.

QUEUEING TRAFFIC Try and avoid causing long queues of traffic wherever possible. You should always pull over to let queuing traffic past. Failure to do this could result in the Police charging you with Careless Driving.

CARRIAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS Loads of up to 10t are exempt from the Carriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations for distances under 12km between agricultural land.

This refers to Agricultural or Forestry tractors that do not travel at a speed exceeding 40 km/h when transporting dangerous goods; or any trailer being towed by such a vehicle.

ADVERTISE WITH US laurencekirk@ringlinkscotland.co.uk

109

Supporting the Community A core belief in the Ringlink ethos is to engage with our communities, we do this in a number of ways such as supporting one of our employees (Debbie Henderson) to be a part-time firefighter and who responds to any pager alert during the working day.

Debbie responds to emergency calls in working hours for the local fire station at Laurencekirk and out with working hours supports Inverbervie Station. One minute she can be dealing with your training requests in the office, the next minute she is responding to a major road traffic collision… it’s all in a day’s work for Debbie.

Debbie says: “I enjoy everything about being a ‘firie’. I love the feeling of being able to help people when they are struck by disaster whether it be a fire or a road traffic collision or anything else we get called to, knowing our presence as a crew member has made a real difference and helped someone in some way, is very rewarding.”

Debbie’s skills and knowledge gained at the fire service are valuable in the office too, acting as designated first aider and health & safety advisor for any emergencies.

If you are interested in becoming a part-time firefighter at your local station, visit www.firescotland.gov.uk or visit the local fire station to discuss further. The Fire service also provide home fire safety advice to the public, however this service is by request only.

If you are carrying out burning in a controlled environment, please contact the Fire Control Room on 01382 835804 to inform them of your location, contact details and predicted time of the burn – this will help by not mobilising crews to this type of incident unnecessarily.

110

This year sees Ringlink introduce an Employer Supported Volunteer (ESV) Programme. A scheme which allocates a number of paid days for staff to volunteer, one day per year, with a registered local charity.

Currently only 20% of small-to-medium sized companies offer ESV, and likely although to increase popularity does. thisasisvolunteering likely to increase as volunteering popularity does.

At Ringlink, we are determined to keep helping our local communities and those less fortunate in new and exciting ways. Furthermore, we want to support our staff in issues that are close to their hearts and encourage their personal and professional development. If you know any charities that may benefit from an extra hand, please get in touch - laurencekirk@ringlinkscotland.co.uk

KEY BENEFITS:

Employees are happier and healthier with higher job satisfaction • Employees have can develop in a new environment chance skills to develop skills in a new environment Charities have access to varied workforce, utilising skills, knowledge and time Ringlink continues to connect with its community

111

OUR PEOPLE, OUR COMMUNITIES

CHARITY UPDATE In 2018 to celebrate 30 years of business, Ringlink held a Charity Dinner Dance, raising a staggering £41,519.56 which was subsequently divided amongst a number of charities.

Here is an update from a selection of benefactors to see what they achieved in 2019.

•

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Scotland was able to bring the first clinical drug trials to Scotland in over 20 years. In addition, it helped fund a new accessible holiday retreat in St Andrews, The Clayton Lodge, offering a chance for families affected by MND and other disabilities to take a break from their normal routine and enjoy a break together. Official opened by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal in July.

•

Montrose Community Trust utilises the power and widespread appeal of sport to inspire change in the community. This past year has allowed the development of a number of unique programmes, reaching all those in the community including those most vulnerable such as the unemployed, recovering addicts or those suffering from poor mental health. The trust connects with approximately 12,000 people (10% of the local population) and last year was awarded “The Best Professional Club in The Community (Scotland)”.

•

Forfar Guide Dogs for the Blind has been training guide dogs since 1965, providing the opportunity for blind or partially sighted people to regain their independence.

The cost of training a guide dog is approximately £22,000 and hundreds of hours of dedication and patience. The money has gone towards training furry friends like Sam. (pictured right)

• Royal Scottish Agriculture Benevolent Institute (RSABI) has been able to continue to deliver emotional, practical and financial support to those in the rural community.

Nearly 1000 families have been able to be supported in 2019, £460,000 provided in direct financial support and £9000 food vouchers provided to those in need.

112

Since 2015, we have been Corporate Supporters of the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI). We are proud to support a variety of local and national charities across Scotland, who are helping thousands of people year after year.

2019 was another great charitable year for Ringlink, with the ARCHIE Foundation Grampian being our main benefactor.

Ringlink sponsored Oor Countryside on Oor Wullies BIG Bucket Trail in Aberdeen.

Local artist Annie Grant designed and painted Oor Countryside, depicting the journey of food from field to plate. Wullie’s dungarees featured a bustling farming scene of crops, animals, wildlife, produce and plants, and of course, Wullie enjoying his favourite meal of mince an’ tatties.

Team Ringlink trekked 4 Munros over 27km, raising a staggering £13,466! Oor Countryside was won at the charity auction by Ringlink for £14,000! Total monies raised that night was £316,700 for the ARCHIE Foundation Grampian.

Oor Countryside continues to support his local community, attending various events and open days such as the local farmers market, the Laurencekirk Christmas Light switch on, school events and many more. Look out for Oor Countryside at the RNAS Countryside Live event on 31st May/1st June 2020.

All funds raised from the trail will support the ARCHIE Foundation, which supports the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital (RACH), Tayside Children’s Hospital (Ninewells Hospital, Dundee), the Highland Children’s Unit (Raigmore Hospital, Inverness), Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity. For more information see: https://archie.org/

113

Broker of Choice within Scottish Farming.

For more information or to discuss your insurance requirements, please contact Jean Arnott-Glennie on t 07881 093485 or e Jean.Arnott-Glennie@brucestevenson.co.uk

Edinburgh • Glasgow • Borders • London • Turriff E admin@brucestevenson.co.uk

brucestevenson.co.uk

Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

114

THE FUTURE OF FARMING In the current global climate emergency, it is important that we all accept that responsibility is on each of us to make a difference in our lives and to the world. The farming community is no exception to this challenge.

It’s important for the agricultural industry to take a step back and look above and beyond running costs. Of course, we know there are essentials, such as insurance, payroll and supplies that need to be factored into financial decision making.

However, there are many smaller changes that can be implemented. Looking at farm plastic recycling, reducing the reliance on single-use plastics and reviewing consumer habits can all make a difference.

There are also larger scale changes which can enable farming diversification. Such as investment in renewable energy sources like ground source or biomass heating systems.

Overall, there are many questions we, as an industry, could be asking ourselves: • Could deliveries be coordinated with other suppliers or customers within the same area?

Planning ahead with bulk purchases and buying from local suppliers will reduce road miles.

• Is there an alternative form of packaging available to use – both in respect of goods in

and goods out?

• Can we make better use of email and digital platforms to replace traditional paper invoices?

• Are your suppliers being challenged to adopt more environmentally friendly processes?

If not, we shouldn’t shy away from asking why not.

There is a growing need to support local businesses from both an economic and environmental perspective. As we move into a new decade, it is time to re-think what we do and to ask what more can be done to be more environmentally sustainable in our work.

Article provided by Kenny Diamond, Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers

115

UTILITIES

ELECTRICITY Are you ready to Switch?

Be like our 1500 other contracted members and let Ringlink take the stress of dealing with your electricity contract, with a competitive price to match.

Now working directly with Npower we aim to provide you with a further enhanced service, resolving any billing queries and contract renewals in a timely manner.

To gain more information on the Electricity supply service we provide, please contact us and we will be happy to go over any queries you may have.

ELECTRICITY supply‌ WHAT IS AN AMR? In 2017, the government announced an initiative to install smart meter technology in 53 million domestic and commercial properties by 2020.

But not all metering technology is created equal; Advanced Meter Readings/data loggers (AMR) are for commercial use and create a one-way communication channel between a business and its energy supplier.

Usage information can be transmitted from a business’ AMR meter directly to the energy provider, meaning that manual/pedestrian meter readings are no longer required. This ensures more accurate bills, and gives customers the option to analyse their energy usage data. Businesses will therefore only pay for the energy they use; estimated bills become a thing of the past and it’s much easier to forecast usage.

Ringlink have already assisted over 30% of our members to review their electricity contracts, 72% of those members are now using AMR metering and avoiding estimated billing.

For further details please give us a call to discuss the options: 01561 376012 116

Don’t be in the dark about power cuts If you experience a power cut, simply call 105 for free.

105 is the new nationwide number that will put you through to your local electricity network operator the company that manages the cables, wires and substations that bring electricity into local homes and businesses.

105 is a free service for people in Scotland, England and Wales, and you can call the number from most landlines and mobile phones. It doesn’t matter who you choose to buy your electricity from - anyone can call 105.

You can also call 105 if you spot damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put you, or someone else, in danger. If there’s a serious immediate risk, call the emergency services too.

Don’t just take our word for it, here’s what our members have to say: ‘They save me money. They help me handle the complications of lots of smart meters and new and changed accounts. They are diligent. They save me having to speak to the Utility company. Thank you Ringlink .’ Geordie BurnettStuart, Crichie Farms, Peterhead.

‘K&D Henderson’ also switched contracts: “After comparing prices we chose the Ringlink/Npower offer, as this was by far the best quote we received, with projected savings of £5700 over 2 years. The Ringlink staff kept us informed throughout the process, resulting in a smooth transition for all nine of our sites.”

WATER ‘Ringlink have been looking after our water contracts – of which we have several - for the last few months. The move to Ringlink was relatively smooth and has certainly freed up admin time at our end as we now just get the one invoice from Ringlink every month rather than the several we received from our previous supplier. We still have one supply left with our old supplier and as soon as this is out of contract, we plan to move this also to Ringlink.’ Clova Farms, Carnoustie

Ringlink continues to supply water contacts through Castle Water, offering significant savings, easy management and local point of contact. To discuss your water contract service please contact your local Ringlink office.”

117

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118

LIQUID STORAGE TANKS PLASTIC OR STEEL - NEW OR USED

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Swedish manufactured product, octagonal shaped to differentiate its unique properties, starting with very slow grown Swedish pine, kiln dried, square pointed and pressure heat treated with creosote. This provides a life expectancy often in excess of 40 years with a manufacturers guarantee of 25 years.

The posts undergo the same high quality process as the companies main core production of telegraph poles.

TEL 01888 511203 enquiries@jfsupplies.co.uk

119

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120

SECURE YOUR NITROGEN FERTILISERS Secure your Nitrogen Fertilisers Since the 1970s nitrogenous fertilisers have been misused in home-made explosives. The UK is the heaviest user of ammonium and ammonium nitrate-based fertilisers in the world. If you store or handle fertiliser, you must secure it to prevent it from being stolen.

Regardless of the amount, it is your responsibility to take appropriate security measures and be vigilant!

Follow this 5-point plan: 1. Wherever possible use a Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS) approved supplier.

2. Wherever possible keep in a secure area such as a building or sheeted away from public view.

3. Carry out regular stock checks and report any loss to the police immediately (call 101).

4. Avoid leaving fertiliser in a field overnight – never leave fertiliser in field for a long period of time.

5. Remember it is illegal to sell ammonium nitrate without the correct documentation

For more advice see: www.gov.uk/government/publications/secure-your-fertiliser/secure-your-fertiliser If you have any suspicions or information about somebody’s activities or behaviour, call the police Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999.

The NaCTSO* Fertiliser Security Five Point Plan has been endorsed by the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC – FIAS), NFU and NFU Scotland, Assured Food Standards (Red Tractor), DEFRA and the HSE. *NaCTSO - National Counter Terrorism Security office

121

Timber Harvesting  DWP Harvesting. The independent timber cooperative for growers in north-east Scotland.  Owned by members, for members.  Retain all your profits.  Our managers will provide you with complete visibility of the costs and incomes.  We can organise felling permission and obtain a fixed-price quote for replanting is you wish.  Harvesting 35,000 tonnes a year for the grower.  Established since 1987

DWP Harvesting Deeside Activity Park, Dess, Aboyne AB34 5BD Tel: 01339 885335 harryjwilson@rts.ltd.uk 122

FARM WOODLANDS… INCOME TO BE MADE As with other commodities, the price of wood has increased significantly over the past few years, some of this price rise has come from increasing demands for fuel. Farm woodlands most often have a mixture of trees, some of which might be good for fuel, some for saw logs and there might be some specialist quality hardwood where the right tree can worth a few thousand pounds for a single tree.

Ringlink can help by providing: • Assessment of woodland area by professional assessors.

• Management discussion - to discuss the timescales and actions to be applied to the woodland areas.

• Thinning service - to allow the crop to grow to its full potential.

• Felling licence- help with application to the Forestry Commission to obtain the necessary permissions to fell the woodland.

• SRDP grant application - professional help is available with the process of applying for grant aid for restocking the felled area for future production.

• Felling - organisation of timber processors and forwarders to clear the timber to the roadside.

• Marketing - the marketing of the timber, whether standing or roadside to different markets such as furniture making, house building, fencing materials, firewood or wood chips for biomass plants.

• Replanting - supply and planting of new trees.

• Maintenance - Fencing, weed control or beating up.

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NEAR MISS REPORTING A simple, and potentially anonymous, system for reporting near-miss incidents is a very important way of identifying problem areas. This will help you highlight some of the less obvious hazards in a workplace, or identify areas where a problem is developing.

Some models suggest that for every accident there are approximately 90 near-misses.

If there is a good reporting system in place, the hazard could be dealt with before someone is injured.

Find a Near Miss form www.ringlinkscotland.co.uk

on

our

website:

It can be difficult to get staff to report near-misses or minor slip accidents, as they are often seen as funny or embarrassing occurrences (until someone is hurt). It is important to create a culture which encourages reporting of these accidents.

Don’t miss out on receiving our regular E-bulletin newsletter!

Let us know your preferred email address for the e-bulletin…we’ll do the rest.

Email:laurencekirk@ringlinkscotland.co.uk

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA... @preapprenticeship

Email invoicing is the way to go!

If you are not already on email invoicing, please sign up today: laurencekirk@ringlinkscotland.co.uk

124

@preapprenticeship @RinglinkScotlandLtd @Ringlink(Scotland)Ltd

Near-miss incident report or H&S improvement suggestion This form may be used by any member of staff, visitor or member of the public to bring to the attention any matter or suggestion which is believed might influence the health and safety of the working environment. The form must not be used for reporting accidents where either people or buildings were injured or damaged. An Accident Incident report form should be used in such cases.

Date of incident

Time of incident

Location: (Please be as accurate as possible)

Name of person reporting : (Leave blank if you prefer but adding contact details will give us the opportunity to feed back where possible).

Title

Forename(s)

Surname

Current residential address

Post Code

Description of incident: Please use this space to record the near-miss or incident, or to make a comment or suggestions for improvement.

Why do you consider the near-miss or incident dangerous?

What immediate action have you taken following the near-miss or incident to prevent a similar occurrence?

Please forward this completed form to the Senior Manager on site / appointed H&S representative.

Form received by: Date: Action taken:

125

126

MIND YOUR HEAD

One in four people in Scotland will suffer from poor mental health at some point in their life. Everyone has mental health and everyone’s mental health is different as well as being constantly changing, depending on many different aspects. Mental health issues range from the worries we all experience as part of everyday life to serious long-term conditions.

Despite ever-increasing awareness of Mental Health and wellbeing, there is still a negative stigma. It is important to note that although you may not suffer from a ‘mental health problem’ others around you may. Be aware of this and let others know you understand and care.

It is important to recognise the symptoms, understand the issues, talk, and

STOP THE STIGMA!

Mental health is just like physical health and needs to be looked after. Always speak to someone if you feel you are suffering from any illness – that may be a medical professional, a friend, college or mentor.

Working in agriculture can be extremely hard on your physical and mental health. Long and lonely hours can be further worsened by uncontrollable external factors such as disease, extreme weather and market forces. Each week one farmer within the UK commits suicide and that statistic is way too high - it is time to start taking our mental health seriously!

The best way to look after your mental health is to take time out for yourself, talk to others, eat healthy, exercise regularly, appreciate your surroundings and be mindful of triggers that may affect your wellbeing.

Useful Contact Details: RSABI: www.rsabi.org.uk or call 0300 111 4166 Samaritans: www.samaritans.org or call: 0116 123 Scottish Association for Mental Health: www.samh.org.uk or call: 0141 530 1000 127

HEALTH AND SAFETY We all find ourselves on occasion using the phrase “Health & Safety gone mad” but is this just a means to divert our conscience away from the fundamental reality that we have a responsibility to engage with Health and Safety but it just isn’t a priority?

All businesses have a legal duty to provide information, training and supervision to employees to enable them to carry out their work safely. This costs money and time - both of which may be in short supply. But, there are major business and personal long-term benefits to H&S training.

Investing in safety training will allow your employees to identify hazards and adopt safe and healthy working practices, and help avoid the pain, anguish and financial costs that accidents and ill health can cause. Ensuring a safe and healthy working environment should be a key priority for everyone at work, it requires real competence and not just good intentions. Experience is also key, to establish procedures to ensure that your organisation has the right people with the right knowledge and skill to manage occupational risks. Do not leave it to chance!

Health & Safety in our Industry Latest statistics released by the HSE confirm that there has been little to no improvement within the Agricultural, Forestry & Fishing sector in 2018 – 2019 with 39 fatalities, of which 13 were in Scotland. Farmers have been warned by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to pay more attention to how they manage workplace risk, otherwise they will face serious penalties.

A new guide called “What a good farm looks like” is free to download from the HSE website and signposts danger areas to Farmers and where they can find further information.

The HSE are about to embark upon another programme of Farm Inspections which will review health and safety standards and Inspectors will be checking that risks are being controlled in specific areas including: Machinery; Falls from Height & Livestock.

What actions can you take?

• Set your policy • Organise your workers • Plan and set standards • Check how you are doing • Learn from experience Don’t “bury your head in the sand” Health and Safety does not have to be a burden and Ringlink Services are here to offer you the advice and the support to ensure that you remain both safe and compliant.

“What a good farm looks like” is free to download at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/resources/good-farm.htm Any queries call Ringlink Services: 01561 376000 128

WORKING WITH MACHINERY Just over 1 in 100 workers work in agriculture, but it accounts for about 1 in 5 fatal injuries to workers SAFE VEHICLE

Check that machines are: • Suitable for the work • Inspected daily • Faults repaired • Properly maintained, especially brakes



SAFE STOP 1 Fully apply handbrake 2 Put all controls in neutral 3 Switch off engine 4 Remove key from ignition



SAFE DRIVER



Check that drivers are: • Medically fit to drive • Properly trained • Know how to safely enter and exit the vehicle

WORKING WITH LIVESTOCK One of the biggest risks in agriculture is livestock. It’s your responsibility to keep yourself, employees, and the public safe from livestock.

HSE Inspectors look for • • • •

Proper handling facilities in place and in good working order A race a crush suitable for the animals being handled Trained and competent workers A rigorous culling policy for temperamental animals

 Caution Caution Farm livestock with their young An online-sign.com production. Visit www.online-sign.com to customise this and other signs

An online-sign.com production. Visit www.online-sign.com to customise this and other signs

WORKING AT HEIGHTS Falls are one of the highest causes of injuries and the third biggest cause of fatalities in agriculture, often caused by falls from ladders or through fragile surfaces.



The Law advises You: • • •

Avoid work at height where you can Use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls Use work equipment that minimises the distance and consequence of a fall

129

Caution An online-sign.com production. Visit www.online-sign.com to customise this and other signs

getintouch@certasenergy.co.uk certasenergy.co.uk P052 - A5 Ringlink Handbook Advert v2 OL.indd 1

21/01/2020 13:43:36

130

The price of FAME Across the UK, some farmers have been reporting issues with red diesel causing filter blockages in vehicles and fuel storage tanks. These reports have coincided with an increase of fatty acid methyl ester - or FAME - bio-content in red diesel.

FAME is a type of biodiesel made from cooking and plant oils, plant-based material, and animal fats that is seeing growing use by suppliers to cover the latest Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) regulations. To improve sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, RTFO targets require 9.75% of all fuel volume in 2020 to be derived from sustainable and renewable sources.

By law, fuel suppliers must meet targets for renewable content in fuels and there are significant penalties for non-compliance.

But how they get there is a matter of choice. Suppliers can reach the targets in a number of ways, including increasing the volume of FAME in red and road diesel.

The price of FAME FAME absorbs and retains moisture at a higher rate than conventional mineral diesels. Higher water uptake not only risks poor performance and higher fuel consumption, but can also cause contamination – resulting in complications in farms’ vehicles, machinery and tanks Because FAME-blended fuels attract more water than conventional diesel, they are more prone to early waxing, diesel bug and fuel sep aration, which can cause deposits that lead to filter and line blockages similar to those reported by farmers across Scotland.

What to do if you’ve already been affected For those that have already experienced the impact of increased FAME content in road and red diesel, there are a number of readily-available solutions that can help.

Adding fuel additives - such as anti-bug, anti-wax or demulsifier - to your bulk fuel supply can help prevent or remedy issues caused by increased FAME content. However, certain additives (such as anti-wax) will only work when added before signs of contamination start to appear, so preparation is key to preventing disruption.

Article provided by Katrina McDonnell, Certas Energy For more information on how to prepare your farm for increased FAME content in road and red diesel, download Certas Energy’s free FAME guide from certasenergy.co.uk/my-business.

131

Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd

Retrospective Rebates

Working in partnership with Case IH dealers and the SMRA saves members up to ÂŁ11/hp on all Case IH products.

The process is simple. Visit your Case IH Dealership to select your new Case IH tractor, combine or baler and complete a deal. Ask your local machinery ring for details or visit www.scottishmachineryrings.co.uk To organise a demonstration visit www.bit.ly/caseih-dealer-locator

Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd Mark Garrick Ltd, Agricultural Engineer Brookfield House Birnie Elgin IV30 8SW

Balgownie Ltd 9 Camiestone Road Thainstone Business Park Inverurie AB51 5GT

01343 860556

01467 621493

Laurencekirk Tel: Tel: 01561 01561377790 377790 Elgin Elgin Tel: Tel: 01343 01343550123 550123 Coupar Angus Coupar Angus Tel: 01828 640456 Tel: 01828 640456 Oldmeldrum Oldmeldrum Tel: 01651 873602 Tel: 01651 873602 Cupar Tel:01334 809999

132

COMBINE

£2973

Case IH Rebate Scheme bate Scheme £2973

£2973

£2973

COMBINE

£2973

After it’s success, Case IH UK has agreed to continue the Rebate Scheme on offer to Scottish Machinery Ring Members.

As a Ringlink member, you would be entitled to a financial Rebate on your Case IH purchase, as detailed below. In addition you will also be entitled to a share of the competitive trade-in bonus. Reduced rebates for any ex-demontrators or hires.

COMBINE

Case IH Rebate Scheme £2973 COMBINE

£2973

After it’s success, Case IH UK has agreed to continue the Rebate Scheme on offer to Scottish Machinery Ring Members.

01 Dec 2019 to 30 Nov 2020

As a Ringlink member, you would Model Min Rebate be entitled to a financial Rebate on your Case IH purchase, as detailed £615 below. Quantum In addition you will also be entitled to a share of the competitive A&C rebates for £615 trade-inFarmell bonus. Reduced any ex-demontrators or hires.

Luxxum Vestrum £900 The process is simple. Visit your local Case IHMaxxum/Maxxum dealer to select your new Case cvx £1090 After it’s success, Case IH UK has IH Tractor, Baler or Combine, tell to them agreed continue the Rebate Scheme that you are a Member of Ringlink, on offer to Scottish Machinery Ring Farmlift (Telehandler) £1090 provide us with a copy of your invoice Members. and we will take care of the rest.

Puma/Puma cvx to inc175 £1375 As aup Ringlink member, you would be entitled to a financial Rebate on Puma/Puma cvxCase 185 + £2135 IH purchase, as detailed Ringlink are completely your focused on below. In addition you will also be providing solutions to its members, entitled to a share of the competitive £2325 for theOptum benefit of its members.

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COMBINE

£2973 COMBINE

COMBINE

COMBINE

COMBINE

Case IH Rebate Scheme

to offer this Rebate Scheme as another benefit to your membership. Contact your local Ringlink Office to find out more.

COMBINE

COMBINE

£2973

Scottish Machinery Rings CaseFixed IH Rebate Scheme Rebate Scheme CaseIH

COMBINE

COMBINE

£2973

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COMBINE

£2973

COMBINE

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133

COMBINE

£2973

method of operation 1. Membership 1.1 Each individual, farming partnership or company which is a member of Ringlink

(Scotland) Limited (“the Ring”) shall pay an annual subscription to the Ring which shall

be decided annually by the board of directors of the Society (“the Board of Directors”).

1.2 Each member must give at least three (3) months advance notice, in writing, of their

intention to retire from the Ring.

2. Financial

2.1 In order that information is made available to members quickly and clearly, a list of goods and services and including standard guide costs for equipment, plant and machinery will be circulated annually or more often if the need arises.

2.2

Members obtaining the use of any equipment, plant or machinery through the Ring shall, subject to the terms of paragraph 4.2 hereof, pay such standard costs, as specified in the price list, for the contracted work as shall be decided annually by the Board of Directors.

2.3 A price for the supply of goods will be provided to members on application. A Demander

will be notified by the Ring of the current price for the requested goods, subject to the

terms of paragraph 4.2.

2.4

The Ring will charge a levy to both the Demander and the Supplier on the price of goods supplied or contracted work carried out by members for members. Levy charges vary on goods supplied or contracted work carried out; all levy charges are detailed in the annual handbook and are decided annually by the Board of Directors.

3. Indemnity The Ring participates as an Originator in the Direct Debiting Scheme operated by certain members of the Association for Payment Clearing Services and the Northern Ireland Bankers Association. The Chairman and Secretary of the Ring are authorised to execute a Form of Indemnity worded in the standard form as required by those members.

134

4. Supply of Goods, Services or the use of Equipment, Plant and Machinery 4.1

When a member wishes to purchase goods or contracted work (a “Demander”) they should contact a representative of the Ring (a “Representative”) as soon as possible.

Once the Representative has received a request from a Demander, it is the responsibility of the Representative to match up a member (“a Supplier”) to the requirements of the Demander and to notify the Supplier of his commitment. No member shall have any right or remedy against the Ring or the Ring Representative in the event that the Representative is unable to match a Supplier to supply the goods or contracted work requested by the Demander.

4.2

Any communications between a Ring Representative and the Supplier or a Ring Representative and the Demander shall under no circumstances be deemed to constitute advice from the Ring or the Representative. For the avoidance of doubt the Demander shall have sole responsibility to determine and satisfy itself as to the appropriateness of any equipment to be supplied and to determine if the equipment and/or goods and/ or services suggested is what the Supplier requires under the specific circumstances.

4.3 The Ring is acting as agent for the Supplier and Demander only and under no

circumstances shall the Ring or the Representative be deemed to be the principal in

any arrangements with the Supplier or the Demander.

4.4

Contracted work is undertaken at the standard rates detailed in the price list in force at the time. Alterations in price due to availability, operating conditions, quantity of contracted work or any other circumstances may be negotiated between the Demander and the Supplier in which case such alterations in price should be agreed with a Ring Representative before the agreed work is started or the goods are supplied.

4.5 The supply of goods is undertaken at the rates detailed to the Demander on application

to the Ring and such prices may vary accordingly and in accordance with the terms

and conditions agreed between Supplier and Demander.

4.6

The Ring is acting in the capacity as agents for Supplier and Demander. As such, neither the Ring nor the Board of Directors shall be liable for any delay in performance, or failure of performance, including failure by the Demander to pay, with respect to any of the obligations of Supplier or Demander contemplated by this document.

135

method of operation 4.7

The Ring is acting in the capacity as agents for Supplier and Demander only. As such, the Ring shall not, under any circumstances, be liable for the goods supplied or contracted works provided not being of satisfactory quality, not being performed with reasonable skill and care, not conforming to any agreed specification, not being fit for purpose or not being free from material defects in design, material or workmanship. For the avoidance of doubt, any and all obligations and liabilities relating to the quality of the goods and/or services provided shall be the obligations and liabilities of the Supplier.

4.8 The Board of Directors may, at their discretion, restrict the type of the goods supplied

through the Ring.

5. Insurance and Risk 5.1 All Suppliers shall at all times whilst carrying on any contracted work maintain in force

the following insurance policies with reputable insurance companies:

Public liability insurance for not less than FIVE MILLION POUNDS (£5,000,000) per claim;

5.2 Suppliers shall notify their insurers they are performing contract work for third parties

for reward by third parties.

5.3

The Demander must have full Public and Employers’ Liability insurance with a reputable insurance company for not less than FIVE MILLION POUNDS (£5,000,000) when the contracted work is being performed on the Demander’s behalf by the Supplier and the Demander shall notify their insurer accordingly.

5.4

As agents for Supplier and Demander, the Ring is at no time in possession of the goods or any Supplier’s equipment, plant or machinery. The Ring will bear no risk for neither any damage or destruction suffered by any goods to be supplied nor destruction or damage to any equipment, plant or machinery with respect to any obligations between Supplier and Demander contemplated by this document.

ADVERTISE WITH US laurencekirk@ringlinkscotland.co.uk

136

6. Provision of Equipment by Supplier 6.1

It is the responsibility of the Supplier to ensure that any equipment used by the Supplier in performing the contracted work for the Demander is mechanically sound and fit for its purpose and that it is fully compliant with all Health and Safety legislation, rules or regulations in force at that time.

6.

For the purposes of contracted work, a Ring Representative must be notified immediately of any breakdown of equipment, plant or machinery belonging to the Supplier on the Demander’s premises. The Supplier will be given a reasonable length of time (seven hours) to have a machine operational again. If for any reason the repair is going to take longer, then the Ring may appoint another member to complete the contracted work. Each Supplier will be paid by the Demander for that part of the contracted work which that Supplier completed according to clause 8 below.

6.3

The Demander will be responsible for any damage to the Supplier’s machinery if such damage is caused by the neglect of the Demander or its employees or agents.

In no circumstances shall the Ring be deemed liable for any damage contemplated by this clause.

7. Complaints 7.1

Complaints by members regarding the provision of services or the use of equipment, plant or machinery, may be made to the Managing Director for mediation. If no satisfactory settlement can be arranged it is the member’s right to present, in writing, his complaint at the next meeting of the Board of Directors, whose decision will be final.

7.2

All members’ complaints as to the general management of the Ring business can be raised with either the Chairman or Vice Chairman. If no verbal settlement is adequate, a written statement is to be sent to the Chairman with all the relevant information for discussion at the next Board Meeting. The decision of the Board of Directors will be final.

ADVERTISE WITH US laurencekirk@ringlinkscotland.co.uk

137

method of operation 8. SELF BILL Invoicing and Payment 8.1

Under no circumstances shall the Ring have any responsibility or liability in regards to the creditworthiness of the Demander and the matching of a Supplier and Demander shall under no circumstances imply any term as to the creditworthiness of a Demander.

The Supplier shall have sole responsibility in determining the creditworthiness of the Demander and the Ring shall have no responsibility or liability whatsoever if the Demander fails to adhere to any agreed payment terms.

8.2 When a job is completed to the satisfaction of the Demander, a schedule of the work

undertaken will be prepared and signed by the Demander and the Supplier. The

Supplier returns the schedule to the Ring office.

8.3

Members must have a current account at a bank together with authorisation for the Ring to use this account as regards payment for contracted work done or goods supplied among the members, by variable Direct Debit and Credit. Any Direct Debit returned unpaid to the Ring will incur a ÂŁ25.00 charge to cover administration and Bank Charges. Interest at eight percent (8%) or four percent (4%) above Clydesdale Bank PLC base rate, whichever is the greater, will be charged on all overdue accounts.

8.4 Provided the Demander’s bank pays the sum to the Ring in terms of the Direct Debit

being presented, the Supplier will be paid twenty-eight (28) days from the tax point

date of the invoice.

8.5 All contracted work between members, whether arranged through the Ring or not will

be billed and paid for through the Ring.

8.6

In accordance with clause 8.5 above, any invoice raised and issued by the Supplier shall be in the name of the Ring. Notwithstanding that the Ring accepts receipt of such invoice from the Supplier in the name of the Ring, the Ring is acting in its capacity as agent of the Demander only and accepts receipt of any invoice in the name of the Ring as a matter of administrative convenience for both the Demander and the Supplier. Any liability to pay an invoice issued by a Supplier shall remain exclusively with the Demander and under no circumstances (subject to clause 8.8 below) shall the Ring be liable (in full or in part) for any invoice raised in the name of the Ring.

8.7 The Ring shall at its discretion, pay a Supplier on behalf of a Demander. In that event,

the status of the Ring as agent shall not be affected and the Ring shall be entitled to

recover that debt from the Demander.

8.8

The Ring, in its capacity as agent for the Demander, may issue invoices on behalf of the Demander under self-billing arrangements between the Supplier and Demander for VAT invoicing. Any invoice issued by the Ring on behalf of the Demander pursuant to the aforementioned self-billing arrangements shall be done by the Ring in its capacity as agent for the Demander only. Under no circumstances shall the Ring be deemed to be the principal under any arrangements between the Demander and the Supplier and under no circumstances shall the Ring assume or be deemed to have assumed any liability under the arrangement between the Supplier and the Demander.

138

8.9

Where a member is both a Demander and a Supplier (as the case may be) and the Ring is acting in its capacity as agent for the member in both circumstances, the member agrees that any monies the Ring receives, pursuant to an invoice raised and issued by the Ring in its capacity as agent for the member, may be offset, at the absolute discretion of the Ring, against any other debt due and payable by the member, whether to the Ring or another member of the Ring.

8.9.5 Remaining a member of the Ring constitutes agreement that members agree to Self-

Billing arrangements continuing on an ongoing basis.

Under our Self-Billing agreement with H M CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, Ringlink must maintain an up-to-date list showing the names, addresses and VAT registration numbers for all supplies covered by the self-billing system.

Suppliers must notify Ringlink immediately if their VAT registration number is cancelled, or if they are issued with a new VAT number.

9. Spare Capacity 9.1

Members are obliged to offer their spare machine capacity to the Ring in the first instance where the Ring is offering a commercially competitive rate and to cover their own additional demand for machines from the Ring where such demand can be satisfied by the Ring at a commercially competitive rate.

9.2 If an arrangement through the Ring is not possible at a commercially competitive

rate the member is free to offer and seek machine capacities outwith the Ring, after

first informing the Manager.

10. Subcontracting 10.1 Members can use the Ring as a source of sub-contracting for work outside Ring

customers. The Demander will collect their bill through their normal invoicing

routine. The Supplier will be paid through the Ring system.

10.2 All transactions and negotiations in connection with the Ring must be made

through a Ring Representative or the Managing Director who is solely responsible

to the Board of Directors.

Any failure to comply with the clauses of this Method of Operation document may result in your membership being reviewed.

139

DIARY OF EVENTS PLOUGHING MATCHES FOR 2020 Scottish Ploughing Championships (Monktonhill Farm, Prestwick Ayrshire)

17th October 2020

7th November 2020

8th November 2020

14th November 2020

15th November 2020

21st November 2020

21st November 2020

22nd November 2020

28th November 2020

5th December 2020

6th December 2020

12th December 2020

23rd & 24th October 2020 Alyth Ploughing Match Sec: J. Paterson/D. Wallace Tel: 07716 020805/ 07801 585877 Boyndie Ploughing Match Sec: Mr A Stevenson Tel: 01261 843720 Kirriemuir Ploughing Match Sec: Lizzy Baxter Tel: 07720 848389 Moray Ploughing Match Sec: Ian McHattie Jnr Tel: 07771 513399 Crimmond Ploughing Match Sec: Mr A Cowie Tel: 01346 532428 MacDuff Ploughing Match Sec: Mr David Allan Tel: 01261 832274 Forfar Ploughing Match Sec: Mr A Greenhill Tel: 01382 350571 Fordyce Ploughing Match Sec: Mr J Mitchell Tel: 01542 840405 Glenbervie Ploughing Match Sec: Lynne Hastie Tel: 07584 668480 Lower Deeside Ploughing Match Sec: Mrs B Jaffrey Tel: 01224 734253 Friockheim Ploughing Match Sec: Douglas Greig Tel: 07547 719279 Newmacher Ploughing Match Sec: Mark Skea Tel: 07523 109992 140

AGRICULTURAL SHOWs 2020

MAY 23RD

FIFE SHOW

JUNE 6TH 13TH 18TH - 21ST

ANGUS SHOW ALYTH SHOW THE ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW

JULY 4TH 18TH 18TH - 19TH 25TH 31ST - 1ST

FETTERCAIRN SHOW KIRRIEMUIR SHOW NEW DEER SHOW BANCHORY SHOW PERTH SHOW

AUGUST

1ST

2ND - 3RD

6TH

7TH - 8TH

8TH

9TH - 10TH

13TH

27TH - 30TH

NAIRN SHOW TURRIFF SHOW BLACK ISLE SHOW ABERFELDY SHOW TARLAND SHOW KEITH SHOW GRANTOWN SHOW BLAIR CASTLE INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS

NOVEMBER 18TH

AGRISCOT 141

LAND WANTED For growing carrots, potatoes & other root crops

Must be suitable for stone separation

STRAW BOUGHT & SOLD ACROSS SCOTLAND

Must have convenient water source for irrigation purposes

Top prices paid for all land rental arranged Contact your local office for further details

142

MALTING BARLEY CONTRACTS AVAILABLE

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on 25 May 2018.

Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd & Ringlink Services Ltd gathers and processes your information in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation.

Information that we collect and hold is as follows: •

• • • • •

•

•

Name & Address (including site locations) Telephone Numbers E Mail Addresses VAT Number Bank Account Details Self Employed Tax Reference (if applicable) National Insurance Number (if applicable) Product & Public Liability Insurance Document (if applicable)

The information will be used to enable us to facilitate trading with you and your company, for invoicing purposes and general account administration and will be maintained and kept securely by authorised employees. We will only use your personal information when the law allows us to.

You have the right to request information on the data held by Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd & Ringlink Services Ltd about you or your business by contacting us at: laurencekirk@ringlinkscotland.co.uk Privacy Notice is available to read in full at: www.ringlinkscotland.co.uk or www.ringlinkservices.co.uk

143

PETER SMART CONTRACTING

Tel 07917 778445, 07977 577602 or 07793 373030 Email Petesmart@live.co.uk For all your agricultural needs 144

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Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

July

October

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June

May Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 2 Saturday Sunday 3

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1 2 3 4 5

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26 27 28 29 30 31

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1

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August Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 Saturday Sunday 2

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31

December

November 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

1 2 3 4 5

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30

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Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1

29 30

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

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21 22 23 24 25 26 27

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2021 January Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 2 Saturday Sunday 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

February Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

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March 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

31

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

27 28 29 30

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 2 Saturday Sunday 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

April Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

July 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

October

September Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

June

May Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 Saturday Sunday 2

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

145

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

August

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

December

November Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

30 31

TIME FOR A CHANGE

Ringlink in partnership with Ford can now offer our members incredible discounts across a range of Pick-Ups, Vans and Cars.

Contact your local Ringlink office for full details. T&C's apply.

Minimum membership of 6 months to qualify for disocunt.

RELY ON RINGLINK...

for services, support and solutions www.ringlinkscotland.co.uk 146

NOTE OF THANKS Ringlink would like to thank the following companies for supporting the handbook with their advertisements:

ADM

LATHALLAN SCHOOL

ASTUTE

LAW FERTILISERS

BALGOWNIE LTD

LEE HAMPTON FENCING LTD

BIOCELL AGRI

LOVIE QUARRY & CONCRETE PRODUCTS

BRIDGEND AGGREGATES

MACGREGOR INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES

BRODIES SOLICITORS

MARK GARRICK LTD

BRUCE STEVENSON

NEIL CAMERON ASSOCIATES

CAMPBELL DALLAS

NFU MUTUAL

CERTAS ENERGY

NORTH EAST INDUSTRIAL DOOR SERVICES

CLYDESDALE BANK PLC

PJ GAUL & CO.

COLTRAK LTD

PETER SMART CONTRACTING

DAVID AND ROBERTSON

RAMCLEAN

DM CARNEGIE

REDPATH TYRES LTD

GALBRAITH

RINGLINK SERVICES LTD

HIGHLAND CEREAL CONTRACTS LTD

RTS FORESTRY

JF SUPPLIES

SSANGYONG

JWA BOOKKEEPING SERVICES

TOYOTA

147

CONVERSION CHART Length 10 millimetres 10 centimetres 10 decimetres 10 metres 10 decametres 10 hectometres 1000 metres

1 centimetre 1 decimetre 1 metre 1 decametre 1 hectometre 1 kilometre 1 kilometre

Volume 1000 cu. mm 1000 cu. cm 1000 cu. dm 1 million cu. cm

1 cu. cm 1 cu. decimetre 1 cu. metre 1 cu. metre

Mass 1000 grams 1000 kilograms

1 kilogram 1 tonne

Capacity 10 millilitres 10 centilitres 10 decilitres 1000 litres

1 centilitre 1 decilitre 1 litre 1 cu. metre

Area 100 sq. mm 10 000 sq. cm 100 sq. metres 100 ares 10 000 sq. metres 100 hectares 1 000 000 sq. metres

To convert to metric, multiply by the factor shown. to convert from metric, divide by the factor.

Distance inches to centimetres feet to metres yards to metres statute miles to kilometres

2.54 0.3048 0.9144 1.6093

Area square feet to square metres 0.0929 square yards to square metres 0.8361 acres to hectares 0.4047 Capacity UK fluid ounces to litres UK pints to litres UK gallons to litres

1 sq. cm 1 sq. metre 1 are 1 hectare 1 hectare 1 sq. kilometre 1 sq. kilometre 148

0.0284 0.5683 4.546

YOU R LOG O HER E

The Astute Group

Promote your club with personalised clothing, choose your club colour, supply us your club logo.

We can embroider or print onto shirts, jerseys, polo shirts, jackets, caps and more.

No minimum order.

Contact us today for a no obligation quote. sales@astute.uk.com 01307 464467 149

Rural Watch Rural Watch Scotland, as an extension of Neighbourhood Watch Scotland, is a community led initiative to bring local people together to address crime and other community safety issues.

Rural watch is an alert and information platform to share information in communities across Scotland so that we are all working together to fight crime and keep ourselves safe. As such the system has a portal (similar to Facebook) where information can be shared generically regarding events on-going, general awareness, crime information etc.

Once you sign up, the system uses your address postcode etc so that ALERTS can be sent to your specific area. However, it is only as good as the volume of people that sign up to the system so that information can be passed directly to you. To register see: www.ruralwatchscotland.co.uk

IS A RARE BUT SERIOUS COMPLICATION

OF AN INFECTION

Slurred Extreme Passing no Shortness speech or shivering or urine of breath confusion muscle pain (in a day) 150

“I feel like Skin I might mottled or die� discoloured

Opportunity to farm

Nursery | Junior School | Senior School • On-site school farm • Small class sizes • Castle classrooms • New science centre

www.lathallan.org.uk 151

LAURENCEKIRK

ELGIN

COUPAR ANGUS

OLDMELDRUM

CUPAR

Cargill Centre

Moycroft Ind Est

Meadowside Park

Unit 2 Colpy Way

Unit 2, West Rigg,

Aberdeen Road

Elgin

Coupar Angus

Colpy Road

West Port,

Laurencekirk

IV30 1XZ

Blairgowrie

Industrial Estate

Cupar

AB30 1EY

01343 550123

PH13 9ER

Oldmeldrum

KY15 4AW

AB51 0BZ

01334 809999

01561 377790

01828 640456

01651 873602

Rely on Ringlink...

For services, support and solutions

www.ringlinkscotland.co.uk