Ringlink Scotland Handbook 2025

Rely on Ringlink for services, support & solutions

RINGLINK

WHY USE RINGLINK

• Save ££s 01 02 03

OWNERSHIP: THE PREFERRED OPTION BUT…

• Do I have enough acres to justify it?

• Do I have the staff to operate it?

• What about unexpected breakdowns?

• Can I finance it?

USE A CONTRACTOR OR NEIGHBOUR BUT…

• When will they get finished with their own crops?

• Will they honestly tell me when they will arrive?

• What about unexpected breakdowns?

• Will I be charged a fair rate?

THE BEST OPTION: RELY ON RINGLINK…

• A large choice of suppliers

• A large choice of machines

• A replacement if a breakdown occurs

• Fair rates

• Multiple machines available

• New system evaluation

• Third party arbitration

• A chance to earn extra income yourself

• Large organisation

HOW WE WORK 01

Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd is a rural business co-operative, owned by its members and managed on behalf of them 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: £175.00 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

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the 2025 Ringlink members handbook.

I’m glad we find ourselves in a more stable situation weatherwise compared to this time last year. Winter crops are so far looking well but will need feeding before long with some nitrogen, have you got your order in.

Since the turn of the year, feed barley markets have been firmer and we’ve seen a slight increase in farmer to farmer selling. At time of writing this in late January, the trade has been reporting exports to Ireland and enquiries from both Spain and Portugal look a promising development, for marketing the UK’s old crop surplus and will hopefully help new crop prices improve. Local demand will continue through to harvest with member-to-member trading, so please speak with your local office before committing to sell.

The malting barley market remains lacklustre, with old crop trade largely stagnant. There is minimal farmer selling as consumer demand is once again almost non-existent. New crop markets are starting to develop, with contracting taking place as farmers prepare for the spring drilling season. However, cash markets are still quiet, and end users

appear content to wait for clearer indications regarding spring planting progress before making any major purchasing decisions.

Last year, electricity prices came back from a high of 80p a unit down to the mid-20s. and hopefully further reductions will be obtained this year which we are presently monitoring for the 25/26 contracts.

Looking forward, there are still some metaphorical clouds on the horizon, with new legislation placing extra responsibilities and expense on employers and changes in tax law causing huge concern in our industry.

The new workers’ rights bill put forward by our new Government that will come into effect in 2026 could have a major effect on our temporary workers status. The abolition of zero-hour contracts, enhanced sick pay and the entitlement to unfair dismissal claims could have serious implications.

Much of the legislation is to be finally agreed and we can only surmise at the minute. While we welcome action to combat unscrupulous employers, we have to concede that it can

make managing a workforce and keeping up to speed with new regulations even more of a burden.

The other side of labour is of course finding the workforce in the first place. There are still not enough skilled workers and at peak periods we are really struggling for both skilled and unskilled labour.

Before the double blows of Brexit and Covid, Ringlink would have been arranging upwards of 550 workers a day and now that is sitting in the mid-400s.

But we should look to the glimmers of light. Still showing strong growth in its 12th year and continuing success is our Land-based Preapprenticeship programme.

The programme has offered hundreds of young people their first step into the industry. Some of those very first entrants now have 12 years of experience and there are some great examples of how they have grasped the opportunity. One is now a farm foreman, another has started her own business with many others giving us extremely positive feedback.

Its aim is to help prepare young people for employment in agriculture and the wider rural sector and this year, we’ve had our highest number of placements with 45 trainees out working on farms and businesses across the region.

continued on page 9

Local point of contactincluding ongoing bill management

Multiple sitestoconsolidated onedateexpiry

INTRODUCTION

continued from page 7

We have reached the end of our latest tranche of funding, so the positive reaction from the Scottish Government to our proposal submitted in March last year has been welcome. Funding is available for 25/26, however, the Land-based Pre-apprenticeship is now out for procurement, as published on the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) website and we are currently submitting a tender to continue delivering the programme. Administering the programme is a lot of work and this investment will let it grow with higher numbers of young people being introduced into working in rural businesses.

This year, we divided the intakes into two with 35 starting their placements over the summer and 10 having started in January 2025. This does mean that we will be needing

more businesses to step forward and offer the placements that are the lifeblood of this innovative scheme.

Upskilling the workforce is also being addressed with 9,682 people attending Ringlink Services training during the year. By collaborating with other organisations - such as construction and those supporting former military personnel - we can continually expand and enhance our course offering to make sure we offer the courses that you need, with more on offer this coming year.

We’re looking forward to 2025, and being here to support you with your plans and make the most of your Ringlink membership.

Managing Director Graham Bruce

£93m

combined turnover from 3,000 members

RINGLINK AT A GLANCE 2024

£3.36

cost of membership weekly is less than a sandwich meal deal

145,965 total transactions

300 number of workers on average who are out every day across the year

£8.87m

labour turnover making us an Apprenticeship Levy Payer

90,536 tonnes of livestock feed sold

2,217 electricity contracts managed

350 types of training courses available

9,682 trainees through a range of courses

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

87,905 outgoing calls made

200 30 mins

88,598 incoming calls received

£216,000 of fuel card savings for members

pre-apprentices graduated over 12 years

34m litres of fuel sold

INTRODUCTION

INHERITANCE TAX CHANGES ON AGM AGENDA

At our 2024 AGM, we re-introduced a speaker to the usual proceedings and the chosen subject of inheritance tax changes clearly resonated with members.

More than 80 members attended virtually or in person to hear Hamish Lean, head of rural property at Shepherd and Wedderburn, explain more about Government plans to cut inheritance tax relief on agricultural assets from April 2026.

With the disclaimer that nothing is yet written in stone – the legislation is still being drafted – Mr Lean offered some handy pointers on possible action members could consider

REVIEW YOUR WILL

The first point for anyone with assets over £1million was to look at their will. What might have been a perfectly serviceable document before the Chancellor’s announcement may now be outdated. While it might be rash to make dramatic changes right away, Mr Lean suggested this was a good place to start.

CONSIDER AN INSURANCE POLICY

Something to think about is taking out an insurance policy that on death pays out a sum sufficient to cover the tax bill. Of course, one drawback is that the older you are, the more expensive life insurance can be – if available at all.

USE LIFETIME GIFTS

No inheritance tax is due on any gifts you give if you live for seven years after giving them. The situation is necessarily more complex than this but this is what is known as “the seven year rule”. Gifts given three to seven years before death are taxed on a sliding scale known as “taper relief”. However, a gift might trigger a liability for Capital Gains Tax. It might be possible to “hold over” the liability so that it is paid by the giftee when they dispose of the asset in the future.

Mr Lean emphasised that it was definitely

INTRODUCTION

The Chancellor announced in last year’s Autumn Budget that agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) will be reformed. From 6 April 2026, the full 100% relief from inheritance tax will be restricted to the first £1million of combined agricultural and business property. Above this amount, landowners will access 50% relief from inheritance tax and will pay inheritance tax at a reduced effective rate up to 20%, rather than the standard 40%.

More than 80 members attended our AGM to hear more about Government plans to cut inheritance tax relief on agricultural assets.

We’re all still grappling with the implications of the changes to inheritance tax and there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution.

Hamish Lean, Head of rural property at Shepherd and Wedderburn

LAW FERTILISERS LTD, METHIL

Quality tailored foliar and granular fertilisers exclusive to Ringlink

• Granular - Liquid-Foliar fertilisers tailored to requirements

 NEW: BULK DELIVERED AND SPREAD SERVICE

 NEW: LAWS P Plus - the new multi soluble budget phosphate

• Agronomy - Nutrient Plans - Soil & plant samplingspreading

 NEW: HIGH QUALITY CHALK AVAILABLE

• Full range of biofertilisers to improve crop resilience

 Biocides for all crop protection requirements

• Inhouse laboratory due to open from April 2025

 Trace element compounds for animal health and improved seed quality

• High grade chalk supplied and spread

 Soil and crop sampling undertaken

 Same day order to collection

TEL: 01592 808366

SERVICES & PRICES 02

Please note the following pages are a guide price list for 2025 only and are 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 selfdrive hire.

• Due to major fuel price fluctuations, suppliers may apply a fuel surcharge to cover day-to-day fuel increases.

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

• Suppliers must ensure adequate insurance cover is in place before doing Ring work.

• 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.

• 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 selfdrive equipment when attached or unattached, or any other hired equipment.

• 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.

ADM Agriculture Ltd in Association with Ringlink

Supplying CF 34.5% Nitram into your area now. Manufactured in the UK, this quality fertiliser remains the leading nitrogen product in the UK.

ADM also supply phosphate and potash fertilisers and NPK(S) blends and compounds for your needs.

Ringlink can access finance through ADM for your fertiliser purchases with up to nine months delayed payment from delivery.

Speak to your local Ringlink office for your fertiliser requirements.

Standard payment and extended finance available on a wide range of N, P, K, NS and NPK(+S) fertilisers.

Coupar Angus 01828 640456

Cupar 01334 809999

Elgin 01343 550123

Laurencekirk 01561 377790

Oldmeldrum 01651 873602

ADM. Unlocking Nature. Enriching Life.

SERVICES & PRICES

PLOUGHING/CULTIVATING/SEEDING

Sowing Grain & Fert (up to 3cwt)

Sowing Grain & Fert (over 3cwt) plus

Direct Drill (Moore Unidrill)

One

One

One Pass Grain & Fert (up to 3 cwt)

One Pass Grain & Fert (over 3 cwt) plus

No Till Drill (Grain & Fert)

Min Till Drill (Grain & Fert) 43.25

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

Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

New website coming soon!

New website coming soon!

New website coming soon!

coming soon!

Materials for Every Requirement

We offer a wide range of products and services to sectors including civil engineering, oil & gas, sport, leisure and agriculture.

We offer a wide range of products and services to sectors including civil engineering, Oil & Gas, Sport, Leisure and Agriculture.

We offer a wide range of products and services to sectors including civil engineering, oil & gas, sport, leisure and agriculture.

We offer a wide range of products and services to sectors including civil engineering, oil & gas, sport, leisure and agriculture.

We offer a wide range of products and services to sectors including civil engineering, oil & gas, sport, leisure and agriculture.

We offer a wide range of products and services to sectors including civil engineering, oil & gas, sport, leisure and agriculture.

Premium aggregates for industry New website coming soon!

BRIDGEND AGGREGATES LTD, BRIDGEND QUARRY, KING EDWARD, BANFF AB45 3NL

T: 01888 551333 | E: info@bridgendaggregates.co.uk www.bridgendaggregates.co.uk

Premium aggregates for industry

Premium aggregates for industry

aggregates for industry

BRIDGEND AGGREGATES LTD, BRIDGEND QUARRY, KING EDWARD, BANFF AB45 3NL

BRIDGEND AGGREGATES LTD, BRIDGEND QUARRY, KING EDWARD, BANFF AB45 3NL

T: 01888 551333 | E: info@bridgendaggregates.co.uk www.bridgendaggregates.co.uk

BRIDGEND AGGREGATES LTD, BRIDGEND QUARRY, KING EDWARD, BANFF AB45 3NL T: 01888 551333 | E: info@bridgendaggregates.co.uk www.bridgendaggregates.co.uk

T: 01888 551333 | E: info@bridgendaggregates.co.uk www.bridgendaggregates.co.uk

BRIDGEND AGGREGATES LTD, BRIDGEND QUARRY, KING

BANFF AB45 3NL T: 01888 551333 | E: info@bridgendaggregates.co.uk www.bridgendaggregates.co.uk

BRIDGEND AGGREGATES LTD, KING EDWARD, BANFF AB45 3NL T: 01888 551 333 E: sales@bridgendaggregates.co.uk

Crushed Rock

Decorative Chips Concrete Mix

Type 1 Sub Base

Sands

Pea Gravel

Crushed Rock

Decorative Chips Concrete Mix

Type 1 Sub Base

Sands

Pea Gravel

Crushed Rock

Decorative Chips Concrete Mix

Type 1 Sub Base

Sands Recycled Material

Pea Gravel

Crushed Rock

Decorative Chips Concrete Mix

Pea Gravel

Crushed Rock

Decorative Chips Concrete Mix

Crushed Rock

Decorative Chips Concrete Mix

Pea Gravel

Pea Gravel

SERVICES & PRICES

SPRAYING & FERTILISING

Fertiliser Spreading Spinner (up to 2cwt) 5.50

LGP Fertiliser Spreading

High Clearance Spreading

Liquid Nitrogen & Urea

Liquid Nitrogen with added Sulphur

Inject Compound Fert to potatoes

Slug Pellet Application LGP Bike 3.75

Lime Delivered & Spread

Lime Spreading (1.5 tonnes or over/Acre) 6.00/tonne

Lime Spreading (less than 1.5 tonnes/Acre) 7.25/tonne

Lime Spreading with GPS (30 Acres Min) 9.25

Slag Spreading 24.00/tonne

Spraying (up to 20 galls 1 - 40 hectares) 12.25/HA

All other Spraying Operations

Crop Walking, Inspection

Irrigating @ 1” Water

Irrigation Complete Hire (pump, reel, pipes)

Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

Your Independent Timber Cooperative in the

North East of Scotland

OWNED BY MEMBERS, FOR MEMBERS

YOU RETAIN YOUR PROFITS

• YOU HAVE COMPLETE VISIBILITY OF COSTS AND INCOME

• WE ORGANISE FELLING PERMISSION

• WE ORGANISE REPLANTING

SERVICES & PRICES

FORAGING, BALING, WRAPPING

Mowing Conditioner

Mowing Condition with Spreader

Peas

(6

(6 metre wide +)

Baling 4 x 4 Silage / Hay 4.00/Bale

Baling 4 x 4.5 Silage / Hay 4.60/Bale

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

* The above prices are based on 4 layers of wrap & subject to change due to fluctuations in plastics prices

Precision Chop Foraging

- 35.00 Self Propelled Foraging

Direct Cut Whole Crop Cereals

– 16t Self Drive)

Topping Grass Rotary (Min charge of 4 hours)

Topping Grass Flail/Mulch “

Chopping “

Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

D.M. CARNEGIE

Steelstrath, Laurencekirk, AB30 1RN

Tel: 01674840288

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.

SERVICES & PRICES

CEREAL HARVESTING, BALING

Swathing OSR up to 25 acres 20.00 - 23.00

Swathing OSR over 25 acres

Swathing Peas

Combining Cereals 39.25 - 53.50

OSR with Draper Header 41.75 - 55.75

OSR Direct with Side Knife 41.75 - 55.75

With Chopper (additional charge) 4.75

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

X

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

Ritchie 8 Bale Trailer & Tractor

Ritchie 8 Bale Trailer Self Drive

Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

MALTING BARLEY ANIMAL FEEDS

FERTILISER FOR SALE

We do more than you know

Rely on Ringlink for services support & solutions

INSURANCE

STRAW/HAY BALES

TRAINING

BUILDING & FENCING SUPPLIES

LABOUR

STORAGE

MACHINERY/PLANT

VEHICLES

FORESTRY SERVICES

ELECTRICITY/ UTILITIES

SERVICES & PRICES

ROOT CROP, VEGETABLE SERVICES

Bed Tiller with plough

3 Row Bed Tiller with ploughs

Stone Separating Potatoes 36mm

Stone Separating Potatoes 32mm

Stone Separating 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

Self Propelled Harvester on Tracks

Tractor & Trailer

Front Topper

Windrowing Bulb

Farnwood Ware Separator

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

Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

“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

through this complex process and

SERVICES & PRICES

ROOT CROP, VEGETABLE SERVICES-CONTINUED

Harvesting From Beds

Fodder Beet Harvesting

Carrot Harvesting From Beds

Cabbage Planter 9 Row

Scarifier

Deep Ridgers Hire

Bed Tiller with Ploughs

Bed Former Hire

Weeder Hire

Cement Mixer Hire Various Types

Compressor Hire

Dumper Truck Hire

Plastic Laying Machine

Water Bowser

Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

SERVICES & PRICES

TRACTORS, LOADERS, FORKLIFTS & ROAD HAULAGE

4wd Tractor 101hp - 150hp

4wd Tractor 151hp - 200hp

4wd Tractor 201hp - 250hp

- 45.00

- 63.25

4wd Tractor 251hp - 300hp 71.25 - 76.00

4wd Tractor over 301hp

Self Drive Tractor Hire

Bulk Haulage

Flat Haulage

Curtain Sider

Road Tankers

Vegetable Bulkers

Timber Haulage

Low Loader(Machinery Trans. Etc.)

Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

SERVICES & PRICES

MUCK, SLURRY SPREADING & LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT

Slurry Injection

LGP Self Propelled Slurry Tanker

Umbilical Spreading

EQUIPMENT - HIRE ONLY

Four Ewe Lamb Adopter Sheep Turning

Sheep Race & Gates Lamb Weigher

Sheep

Calf Dehorning Crate

Cattle

Cattle

Cattle

Livestock Trailer Hire

Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

SERVICES & PRICES SERVICES - LABOUR INCLUDED

Tree Planting

MISCELLANOUS AND MAINTENANCE

Chain Saw & Operator (with Certificate)

Tree Felling & Thinning

Forestry Road Construction

Hedge Cutting 45.00

Drainage Complete Service

Drain Jetting

Supply Drainage Materials

Industrial Hoover Hire

Hoovering & Cleaning of Sheds

Power Washing of Sheds

Power Washer Hire

Shot Blasting

Small Tool Hire

Shed Construction

Demolition Work

Supply & Erection of Storage Systems

Feed System Installation

Concrete Laying / Building

Stone Crushing

Vibrating Roller

Hard & Soft Landscaping

Hydramulch & Water Jet Seeding

Garden Maintenance

24 Hour Glass Replacement Service

Pest Control Services(Rats/Mice/Moles/Rabbits)

Skip Hire / Waste Removal

Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

It’s really important to us to have a specialist team who understand the challenges within agriculture. We have a long history of supporting our farming customers as they look to adapt their businesses to deal with the challenges ahead. Our team of Agricultural Managers are based throughout the UK and are always on hand to provide advice and support to help our customers thrive.

SERVICES & PRICES

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

SERVICES & PRICES

LABOUR & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

SERVICES - LABOUR INCLUDED

Pre-Apprentice

Relief Pig Person

Multi Skilled Labour

Fencer

Relief Dairy Person

Cattle Feet Trimming (Inc. Mobile Crate)

Sheep Shearing

Mechanic On Site

Blacksmith

Electrician

Potato Box Repair (On Farm Service)

Builder

Roughcaster

Slater

Joiner

Shotblaster

Pest Eradication (Rats/Mice/Rabbits/Moles)

Agronomy Services

Water Divining

Agricultural Consultants

Estate & Land Management

Agricultural Valuations

Advisory Services

Secretarial Services

GPS Services

Wood Cutting

Labour rates apply from 1st April 2025

Unless agreed otherwise, the supply of labour incurs a minimum charge of eight hours. Note: any prices not listed above are priced on application (POA). Our contact details are on the back cover.

Making the most of your membership?

From fuel cards to fencing supplies, forklift training to phone contracts, there are loads of ways you can get more from your membership.

There are loads of ideas in your handbook, or get in touch with us directly. Our contact details are on the back cover.

SERVICES & PRICES

MEMBERS PICK UP ON ADDED BENEFITS OF RINGLINK

We

always say you can rely on Ringlink and there are two reasons to use us – saving time and saving money.

Sometimes we can even help you save both. Freeing up your time from trying to find something can be a godsend when it comes to getting things done.

Although we were set up in 1988 as a machinery ring and we’re known as a cost-effective and efficient way to source machinery and labour, our services now stretch from fences to forestry, land rental to first aid training and hundreds more.

COST-SAVING

One example is the hugely successful fuel card service we set up eight years ago which is saving members money every single day.

Filling up two vehicles, twice a week can save you money - enough to cover your Ringlink subscription payment.

We now have over 2,500 member cards in circulation purchasing over 3.5million litres last year, which provides an average saving to these members of around 6p per litre – a massive £216,000 in total!

SAVING TIME

Other ways for use to help power your business is managing your electricity contract: we’re now managing 2,217 contracts on behalf of members.

This increase provides us with more bargaining power when renewals are due, all while freeing up your valuable time to do what you enjoy doing (rather than speaking to a call centre, that is if you can get through).

We work directly with the npower team, so from renewing contracts to resolving billing queries, you can rely on Ringlink to work on your behalf.

When it comes to saving time and money, we do more than you know at Ringlink.

RINGLINK: THE VALUE OF RELATIONSHIPS

Andrew Moir, a member for 35 years, reflects on what he’s found valuable in relying on Ringlink.

“Being a Ringlink member made a real difference to my farming life, especially when I was farming solo.

It’s all about relationships, and Ringlink understands that.

Even with all the technology we have today, you can still pick up the phone and talk to a real person. Unlike dealing with large companies, when you call Ringlink, you feel like someone’s actually on your side.

They are invaluable as a sounding board. I could discuss possible capital purchases and come to my own conclusions, knowing I had their support.

Ringlink also takes the friction out of business. Whether you’re selling straw to a neighbour or dealing with a disagreement, they can step in, keep things professional, and help maintain the friendships that are so important in rural life.

On a practical level, selling straw became worry-free. I’d tell them how much I had, we’d agree on a price, and they’d handle the sale - and crucially, the payment. I always knew I could trust them.

The best part is that as a member of a cooperative, we own Ringlink.

It’s tempting to chase the cheapest price, but that often means dealing with large national companies focused on their shareholders. With Ringlink, it’s ours – mine, and the other 3,200 members. The people working there are working for us and our best interests.

BEING AN EMPLOYER 03

BEING AN EMPLOYER: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

When engaging staff, a worker’s employment status - 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.

In all cases tribunals have found that the “self employed” businesses were in fact employees and entitled to a greater range of entitlements such as sick pay & holiday pay.

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.

Ultimately it is up to HMRC to decide if a job is suitable to be carried out by an “employee”, or one that can be carried out by someone “self-employed”. However, businesses must make the distinction and apply the correct tax regime to the job.

To assist members there is a comprehensive check list tool for CEST (Check Employment Status for Tax) on Gov.uk where Demander members can go in and answer questions from both an employer’s and worker’s perspective, and check if the worker falls within the scope of employee.

Check employment status for tax - gov.uk (www.gov.uk)

Please be aware that there is the potential that HMRC may seek to recover any unpaid tax and NI contributions from a Demander member should it be found that a worker is engaged in a job on a self-employed basis but it is found to be that it they should have been engaged as an employee.

continued on page 43

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continued from page 41

BEING AN EMPLOYER

It should be noted that a demanding business is still required to offer the same health & safety protections when self-employed workers or contractors are used on site.

Failure to do so may result in penalties which can include unlimited fines or a custodial sentence.

AGENCY LABOUR WORKERS

Using Employment Businesses to support your business workforce used to be seen as a cheaper option rather than employing them directly. This is no longer the case, since Agency Workers now enjoy many of the rights that permanent members of an employer’s own workforce do.

With an ever-diminishing pool of workers available, some are now ‘choosing’ which employer members that they will provide their services to. Most members treat their temp staff workforce well and this shows in the standard of the service they can receive from their workers

Please be aware that our 8 hour standard minimum charge rate is there to assist in retaining a workforce suitable to meet your requirements.

AGENCY LABOUR PROVIDERS

There are several Employment Business members supplying labour through the machinery ring. This method of supply provides the opportunity for members to engage workers without PAYE obligations as the agency assumes responsibility for payment of the worker’s remuneration and the deduction and payment of National Insurance Contributions and PAYE.

“Workers supplied through agency labour providers are subject to the standard terms and conditions of the supplying company (available on 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 mean all agency workers must have the same access to certain basic facilities - including canteen, toilets, vending machine - amenities and information from the first day of an assignment as provided to fulltime 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

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Employers’ responsibilities to workers regarding the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) changed on 6 April 2022.

As far as personal protective equipment is concerned, the regulations and accompanying impact assessment extended employer and employee duties to all workers engaged at your place of business (including agency or casual staff).

BEING AN EMPLOYER

BEING AN EMPLOYER: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The regulations and accompanying impact assessment extend employers and employees duties in respect of personal protective equipment to all workers engaged on your place of business (including agency or casual staff).

What is PPE?

PPE is defined in the regulations as “all equipment (including clothing affording protection against the weather) which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects the person against one or more risks to that person’s health or safety, and any addition or accessory designed to meet that objective”.

What does this mean for employers?

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 place a duty on every employer in Great Britain to ensure that suitable PPE is provided to “employees” who may be exposed to a risk to their health or safety while at work. The PPER 2022 extended this duty to workers and came into force in April last year.

What does this mean for workers?

If a risk assessment indicates a worker requires PPE to carry out their work activities, the employer must carry out a PPE suitability assessment and provide the PPE free of charge as they do for employees.

The employer will be responsible for the maintenance, storage and replacement of any PPE they provide, and as a worker, you will be required to report loss and defects in the PPE which is provided, use the PPE in accordance

with the training and instruction provided, and ensure PPE is returned to the accommodation provided by the employer.

INDUCTIONS

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 safety induction for working on their site with the relevant equipment. The induction should cover at least the following points:

• named person whom the worker reports to

• worker’s 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

•

“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

BEING AN EMPLOYER

9,682 TRAINEES ATTENDED COURSES LAST YEAR

With over 350 types of training course available, with bespoke options and e-learning on offer.

BEING AN EMPLOYER

NATIONAL LIVING WAGE & WORKPLACE PENSIONS

NATIONAL LIVING WAGE

Currently anyone aged 25 years or over is entitled to be paid at least the National Living Wage of £11.44 per hour. The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB) rates mirror this for all workers aged 16 & over. If the worker is within their first six months of service this is payable up to 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. Overtime at 1.5 times the minimum hourly rate is payable for any hours worked out with these parameters.

After six 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 2024, the National Living Wage is increasing to £12.21 per hour and the Scottish Agricultural Wage Board rates for 2025/2026 will be the same. Ringlink Services Ltd team have been very helpful and react quickly to my requests for temporary labour . During our busy periods this ensures we have the required staff levels to meet our business needs.

Bayne Farming

GET UP TO £200 TOWARDS THE COST OF A TRAINING

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 now - limited funding available so do not delay, see website below:

www.myworldofwork.co.uk/learn-and-train/ sds-individual-training-accounts-ita

An estimated seven million people in the UK aren’t saving enough for retirement. So having the right workplace pension is more important than ever. Automatic enrolment is the government’s initiative to address this.

All employers with one or more employees have to meet the legal requirements and help employees save of their retirement. All eligible employees automatically become members of a qualifying pension scheme with a high enough level of contribution. Whilst all eligible employees must be enrolled into a qualifying pension scheme they can choose to opt out if they wish.

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE EMPLOYER:

• workforce assessment

• provision and automatic enrolment into a qualifying scheme

• facilitating opting out and refund

• record keeping

EMPLOYEES QUALIFY FOR AUTO ENROLMENT IF THEY ARE:

• aged between 22 years and state pension age

• earning more than £10,000 per annum

• working in the UK

3% EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS

5% EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS

BEING AN EMPLOYER

EMPLOYING YOUNG PEOPLE

Young people over school age and under 18 are known as Young Workers. There are special laws 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 health & safety risk assessment before they can start working, 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 leaving 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.

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 leaving age cannot work during school hours, for more than 2hours 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 (No69).

BEING AN EMPLOYER

The Land-based Pre-apprenticeship is an ideal pathway for progression within the wider rural sector. Accredited by the Scottish Rural College (SRUC), the programme is currently funded by Scottish Government and administered by Skills Development Scotland, on an extended pilot basis.

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

UPFRONT INDUCTION

Working in collaboration with SRUC, the successful applicants undertake an upfront residential induction on a college campus; involving a range of activities and certificated training as follows:

• Preparation for Employment award (SCQF level 4)

• Health & Safety Risk Assessment

• Emergency First Aid

• Manual Handling Awareness

• Tractor Driving (3 days) + on the road Tractor Driving

• Rough Terrain Telescopic Forklift (3 days)

• Crop Production/Livestock Production

continued on page 53

WHY WORK IN LAND-BASED?

Nearly 65,000 people work in Scotland’s agriculture industry and 80% of Scotland’s landmass is used for agriculture. Food and drink is one of the most important and fastest growing sectors in Scotland.

This is a vital industry that is important to the food security of every nation and region. It is also a significant sector of the economy that includes many small businesses.

THE LAND-BASED SECTOR OFFERS:

• A diverse and rewarding lifestyle

• Develop a wide range of valuable and transferable skills

• Connect with the landscape and nature

• Good job security and high rates of pay for experienced skilled workers

It’s a good way to get into a job. Training is all funded and there’s someone there to explain if you need them to.

DREW LOW Pre-Apprentice 2023

The Pre-apprenticeship is the best thing I’ve done. I’ve really enjoyed working with the animals.

AMBERPre-ApprenticeTHOMSON 2023

There’s been lots of new training as well as the experience of learning new things from the team here.

JAMIE ORR Pre-Apprentice 2023

I quite enjoy washing the tractors - it is quite satisfying to do.”

HARRISONPre-ApprenticeDEAS 2023 “

I’ve done loads of things. It’s good fun and it’s good experience.

MARCUSPre-ApprenticeJAMIESON 2023

> Can you offer 6-months employment for a young person?

> Are you willing to share your knowledge with others?

> Do you want to build a skilled workforce for the future?

03

BEING AN EMPLOYER

continued from page 50

WORK PLACEMENT

Following the upfront induction, successful Pre-apprentices commence their individual placements with an approved mentor business for 26 weeks. The work placement is fully paid, based on 40 hours per week. Payment for time worked is in accordance with the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB).

TRAINING

Up to £1,500 of training will be offered to each candidate with an element of certified training tailored to individual needs.

CERTIFICATION

All candidates who successfully complete the programme will receive a certificate of completion awarded from Ringlink Scotland along with relevant certification from the SRUC induction.

PROGRAMME PARTNERS

SRUC: Provides the facilities for a residential induction. SRUC also delivers the Preparation for Employment award together with additional training units.

Ringlink Scotland: Provides the day-to-day management of the programme, recruits and supports candidates along with the mentor businesses, and provides certified training for the trainees.

For full details of the programme or if you are interested in becoming a Mentor see:

www.ringlinkscotland.co.uk/ preapprenticeship

After 12 successful years of delivering the programme, from 2013-2023 the following outcomes have been achieved:

• 79% completion over 12 years

• 50% of trainees offered jobs on completing with mentor businesses

• 55% of participants are from a non-agricultural background & new entrants to the sector

• 33% of candidates have progressed on to further education (MAs, college, university)

• 17% of candidates secured other employment

BEING AN EMPLOYER

PRE-APPRENTICESHIP CLASS OF 2024

There was a record 45 individuals going through Ringlink’s Land-based Pre-apprenticeship programme this academic year. Twenty-eight young trainees completed a four-day block induction at the Scottish Rural College (SRUC) at Craibstone in June before starting their 26-week individual placements with an approved mentor business.

This year’s intake was spilt into two, including an intake of forestry pre-apprentices - the second cohort to go through this programmeand a winter intake of 12 trainees who started in January.

The forestry induction offered a range of activities and training for the pre-apprentices: Preparation for Employment award (SCQF 4), Emergency First Aid + F, Health & Safety Awareness, Manual Handling Awareness, Introduction to Forestry Machinery, Introduction to Forestry Process, Brush Cutter and Introduction to Saws.

Scottish Government and Skills Development

Scotland currently fund and administer the scheme, but 2024/2025 was the last year of guaranteed funding as part of a three-year pilot for Ringlink Scotland, Borders Machinery Ring and Tarff Services.

The three participating machinery rings, working in partnership with SRUC and Borders College have now trained 345 pre-apprentices

over the past five years. Some 55% of trainees had no previous farming background, and 80% of them are still working in the industry. Typically, at least 50% of trainees progress on to the Modern Apprenticeship on completion, either with the same mentor business or another land-based employer

Mentor businesses play a vitally important role in the pre-apprenticeship and we are immensely appreciative for their involvement. Ringlink submitted a proposal to Scottish Government more than two years ago for a mentor incentive to give some financial support in developing these young entrants and while we’ve not yet been successful, we remain committed to achieving some level of assistance for mentors.

Applications are now open until the end of March for the 2025 summer intake and we welcome any enquiries from mentor businesses who can offer six months of fulltime employment from July to December.

In the 12 years it’s been operating, this programme has offered hundreds of young people their first step into the industry. Some of those very first entrants now have 12 years of experience and there are some great examples of how they have grasped the opportunity. One is now farm foreman, another has started her own business with many others giving us extremely positive feedback

Ringlink managing director Graham Bruce

TR EES AND TI MBER

03 03

BEING AN EMPLOYER

RURAL AFFAIRS MINISTER MEETS PRE-APPRENTICES

Last summer, Scotland’s rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon visited Laurencekirk for an update on our Land-based Pre-apprenticeship programme.

Three people with first-hand experience were there to speak to the cabinet secretary for rural affairs, land reform and islands which is in its 12th year and coming to the end of its funding period.

Ms Gougeon met current pre-apprentice Danielle Wrigley as well as graduates Logan Smith and Maddie Cairnie from the 2019 and 2020 programmes respectively.

Each shared their experience of coming from a non-agricultural background and how the pre-apprenticeship gave them that important first step into the industry.

The ultimate aim of the Land-based Preapprenticeship is to help prepare young people for employment in agriculture and the wider rural sector.

The programme provides practical experience, training and knowledge allowing the candidates to make informed decisions as to how they would like their career to progress. Ringlink Scotland provides the day-to-day management of the programme, recruits and supports candidates along with the mentor businesses, and provides certified training for the trainees.

Supporting new entrants, particularly young people, into agriculture is absolutely vital to protect the future of the sector.

Mairi Gougeon, Rural Affairs Minister

BEING AN EMPLOYER

Ms Gougeon said, “It was great to meet the pre-apprentices and hear how the programme has helped build their confidence and develop their skills.

There are so many exciting opportunities available right across the agricultural sector and that was really emphasised by the young people I spoke to who had been through the scheme.”

Ringlink managing director Graham Bruce said: “We thank Mairi for her support in coming to see us and we felt it was really important she heard from the very people who are benefitting from the preapprenticeship.

“In the 12 years it’s been operating, the programme has offered hundreds of young people their first step into the industry. Some of those very first entrants now have 12 years of experience and there are some great examples of how they have grasped the opportunity. One is now farm foreman, another has started her own business with many others giving us extremely positive feedback.”

“We have reached the end of our latest tranche of funding, so the positive reaction from the Scottish Government to our proposal submitted in March this year has been welcome.”

“Administering the programme is a lot of work and this investment will let it grow with higher numbers of young people being introduced into

BEING AN EMPLOYER

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: www.gla.gov.uk/who-we-are/modern-slavery

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.

Labour exploitation is still the most common type of modern slavery reported to the Modern Slavery helpline in Scotland (33% down from 46% LY). In the most recent period reported (Q1 2024), the highest recorded potential victim nationalities were from China, Syria and Vietnam, as shown in the statistical report on the following page.

For more information see: www.modernslaveryhelpline.org or

BEING AN EMPLOYER

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:-

There are now multiple routes to verify someone’s right to work in the UK. If your potential worker is a UK citizen then you must see the originals of the following documents, take copies and sign & date them.

• UK passport (can be out of date but the photograph should represent a good likeness of the applicant)

OR A COMBINATION OF 2 OF THE FOLLOWING:

• A UK Birth Certificate

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

• A benefits office JSA card or letter

• A previous employers payslip

• A government issued letter proclaiming the employees residency and employability status

If your potential employee is a Non-UK citizen then the following routes are available to check their ‘right to work in the UK’ If the potential employee is an EU citizen and has ‘Settled or Pre-Settled Status’ then they should give you a ‘Share Code’. This along with their name & date of birth should be used to verify their right to work in the UK. This will give you a document you can print with their photograph and immigration status.

This can be completed at the following: View a job applicant’s right to work details - gov.uk (www.gov.uk)

If your potential employee has applied for ‘Status’ but has not yet been granted, they should have an application confirmation from the Home office.

Their immigration status can be checked using the Employer Checking Service. Use this service to ask the Home Office to check an employee’s or potential employee’s immigration status if they cannot show their documents or online immigration status.

THIS COULD BE, FOR EXAMPLE, BECAUSE THEY:

• have an outstanding appeal, review or application with the Home Office

• arrived in the UK before 1989 and do not have documents to prove their immigration status or right to work

YOU MUST ALSO ASK THE HOME OFFICE TO CHECK THEIR STATUS IF THEY HAVE:

• a digital or non-digital Certificate of Application that says you need to ask the Home Office to check their right to work

• an Application Registration Card

All other potential employees should have a valid visa to work in the UK.

www.gov.uk/view-right-to-work.

After the 1st July 2021, all Non-UK or Eire nationals will be treated the same when it comes to work & residency status no matter which country they come from.

For potential workers to access employment from the 1st July 2021 they should have a valid work Visa in place, prior to employment. These can be obtained through sponsorship via the PBS (Points Based System) for which you would need a Sponsor Licence or through a valid worker scheme such as the Seasonal Worker Pilot.

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 knowingly employing an illegal worker has trebled and is now up to £60,000 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 above is subject to legislative change.

03

BEING AN EMPLOYER

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.

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 GLAA to get your own business checking account within their within their active check portal

• 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.

BEING AN EMPLOYER

WHAT DOES THE EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS BILL MEAN FOR YOU?

In October 2024 the Government introduced ‘The Employment Rights’ Bill

This is a comprehensive bill which, once implemented, will represent the biggest upgrade in employment rights for a generation. It will raise the minimum floor of employment rights, giving the British public the prosperity, security and dignity that everyone in Britain needs and deserves at work.

WHAT DOES THE BILL DO?

Address one-sided flexibility ensuring that jobs provide a baseline of security for workers; below are just some of the points that are currently out for consu1ltation with the view that they will be introduced in Law in 2026.

The list includes but is not limited to the following:

• Ban exploitative zero hours contracts by introducing rights to guaranteed hours, reasonable notice of shifts, and compensation for short-notice cancellation of shifts

• End unscrupulous ‘fire and rehire’ and ‘fire and replace’ practices by considering any dismissals for failing to agree to a change in contract as automatically unfair, except where businesses genuinely have no alternative

• Provide a ‘Day 1’ right to protection from unfair dismissal (while allowing statutory probation periods in which a lighter-touch dismissal process applies)

SUPPORT FAMILY FRIENDLY RIGHTS BY IMPROVING FLEXIBILITY AND SECURITY:

• Make existing entitlements to Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental leave available from ‘Day 1’ of employment

• Enabling parents to take their Paternity Leave and pay after their Shared Parental Leave and pay

• Introduce a new right to unpaid Bereavement Leave, allowing employees to take leave from work to grieve the loss of a loved one

• Introduce new protections from dismissal for a woman who is pregnant and for six months after her return to work

• Strengthen the existing ‘Day 1’ right to request flexible working, by requiring employers to explain the grounds on which they’ve denied a request

• Strengthen employers’ duty to prevent sexual harassment of their employees by requiring them to take all reasonable preventative steps

ENSURE WORKERS GET FAIR PAY FOR A FAIR DAY’S WORK:

• Improve access to Statutory Sick Pay by removing the Lower Earnings Limit and removing the waiting period

MODERNISE TRADE UNION LEGISLATION

GIVING TRADE UNIONS GREATER FREEDOM TO ORGANISE, REPRESENT AND NEGOTIATE ON BEHALF OF THEIR WORKERS:

• Repeal the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023

• Repeal the Trade Union Act 2016

• Strengthen trade unions’ right of access

• Simplify trade union recognition process

• Introduce new rights and protections for trade unions representatives

• Introduce a duty for employers to inform workers of their right to join a trade union

• Introduce additional protections from blacklisting

IMPROVE ENFORCEMENT OF EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS:

Establish the Fair Work Agency to bring together existing state enforcement functions including:

• Regulations for employment agencies and employment businesses

• The unpaid employment tribunal award penalty scheme

• Enforcement of the National Minimum Wage

• Statutory Sick Pay

• The licensing regime for businesses operating as ‘gangmasters’ in certain sectors

• The Fair Work Agency will also incorporate a wider range of employment rights, such as holiday pay.

HOW ARE THEY GOING TO DO IT?

The bill was introduced into the House of Commons on 10 October 2024. As is typical for employment legislation, further detail on many policies in the bill will be provided through regulations after Royal Assent. They expect consultation to begin on the majority of these reforms this year, seeking significant input from all stakeholders. For some areas, they will be consulting before the end of the year, including on applying the zero hours measures to agency workers; modernising trade union legislation; and Statutory Sick Pay.

They will ensure business have time to prepare for the implementation of these reforms and expect that most reforms in the bill will take effect no earlier than 2026. Where more time is needed for businesses to prepare for change, this will be taken into consideration. Guidance will be published where this is appropriate.

TRAINING COURSES 04

We deliver a range of courses in agriculture, forestry, horticulture, construction, haulage and much more.

Maybe you’re looking to upskill or retrain to develop your own career?

Or maybe you’re an employer looking for flexible, professional training and assessments, delivered on your own premises, online or on-site at our purpose-designed training centre.

Browse our courses in the following pages but don’t hesitate to get in touch for our expert advice on picking the perfect training. Ringlink Services is your

Whichever it is, you can rely on Ringlink. We have hundreds of fully accredited specialist courses to choose from, as well as the ability to build bespoke training to your needs.

LIQUID STORAGE TANKS

PLASTIC OR STEEL - NEW OR USED

PLASTIC FUEL TANKS 1350 - 15000 Ltr

OCTOPOST

CREOSOTE FENCING

25 YEAR GUARANTEE

Octopost is a 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.

SEWAGE TANK

ADBLUE

MOBILE WATER TANK LIQUID FERTILISER MOBILE FUEL

SEPTIC TANK

9,682

TRAINING

FORESTRY & ARBORICULTURE

From felling trees to aerial pruning, chainsaw maintenance to tree survey and inspection, our range of courses provides the skills needed to work in forestry.

PROFESSIONAL TREE INSPECTION

An advanced course, you’ll need to be an experienced and qualified inspector with an in-depth knowledge of plant and arboricultural science. You’ll learn how to clearly and competently inspect potentially hazardous trees.

BASIC TREE INSPECTION

Identifying hazardous trees is a vital part of a number of jobs, from park rangers to estate workers. Our training is designed to help you recognise and then report issues to an appropriate expert.

CHAINSAW MAINTENANCE AND CROSS-CUTTING

This is a hands-on course that delivers both practical skills and health and safety guidance. Ideal if you’re working on farms, in woodland, on building sites or in conservation, you’ll gain the expertise needed to use and maintain a chainsaw.

ASSISTED TREE FELLING

Assisted felling is an essential skill for many people working in the forestry and arboricultural sectors. Our course helps you build on the skills and experience you already possess.

FELLING AND PROCESSING TREES UP TO 380MM

The danger involved in felling trees is common knowledge; how to carry out the work safely and effectively is not as well known. Our course gives you the confidence and expertise to tackle this hazardous job from start to finish

FELLING AND PROCESSING TREES OVER 380MM

Tree-felling takes a skilled and confident practitioner to carry it out both safely and efficiently. That’s what you’ll become at the end of our intensive three-day training course.

continued on page 75

Call 01561 376000 or Email: training@ringlinkservices.co.uk

Find out more at our website: ringlinkservices.co.uk

TRAINING

continued from page 73

SEVER UPROOTED OR WIND-BLOWN TREES USING A CHAINSAW (INDIVIDUAL)

This is a hands-on course that delivers both practical skills and health and safety guidance as well as demonstrating that you and your employer have completed sufficient training to meet the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

SEVER UPROOTED OR WIND-BLOWN TREES USING A CHAINSAW (MULTIPLE)

Chainsaws are powerful and dangerous tools. And using them to sever wind-blown trees is potentially hazardous work. It is vital to maintain and develop your expertise and knowledge to stay skilled and safe. Our course helps you do just that.

TREE CLIMBING

& AERIAL

RESCUE

This is a hands-on course that delivers both practical skills and health and safety guidance, as well as demonstrating that you and your employer have completed sufficient training to meet the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

AERIAL CUTTING OF TREES WITH A CHAINSAW USING FREE FALL TECHNIQUES

This course provides the knowledge and skills required for learners to be assessed for the regulated qualification, Level 3 award in aerial cutting of trees with a chainsaw using free fall techniques

AERIAL TREE PRUNING

Our course provides you with the knowledge, skills and understanding to carry out aerial pruning of a tree. It’s designed for anyone over the age of 16 who already has experience of climbing trees using work-positioning systems.

AERIAL TREE RIGGING

This advanced aerial technique allows the safe and controlled removal of sections of tree, and can be specially useful in the urban environment due to the high likelihood of buildings and other infrastructure being in the drop zone.

WOODCHIPPER

Our course will teach you how to operate a woodchipper safely and with confidence. popular pieces of equipment used in industries from arboriculture to woodland preservation, they’re powerful tools that have the potential to cause injury if used incorrectly.

TRAINING

UTILITY ARBORICULTURE

Our utility arboriculture courses are designed specifically for those working around utility services. From recognising species of tree to arboricultural surveys, pruning to felling, our range of courses provides you with the skills needed to manage trees and woodlands.

LEVEL 3 Certificate of Competence in Utility Arboriculture Basic Electrical Knowledge (0038-30)

This course covers hazards, risks, controls, emergency planning, legislation, equipment and resources, tree types and condition, safety documentation, ground clearance and safety zones, tree electrical categories, overhead line components, industry good practice, roles and responsibilities.

LEVEL 3 Certificate of Competence in Utility Arboriculture Tree Species Recognition, Growth Characteristics and Associated Hazards (0038-31)

This course covers tree species identification, growth characteristics and associated hazards.

LEVEL 3 Certificate of Competence in Utility Arboriculture Ground-based Pruning (0038-32)

This course covers hazards, risks, controls, emergency procedures, site specifics and tree categories, as well as electrical methods of work ground-based pruning.

LEVEL 3 Certificate of Competence in Utility Arboriculture Aerial Pruning (0038-33)

This course covers hazards, risk, controls, emergency procedures, industry guides and potential environmental damage, site zoning, tree condition assessment, working at height assessment, tree factors and characteristics and aerial tree pruning.

LEVEL 3 Certificate of Competence in Utility Arboriculture Assisted Tree Felling (0038-34)

This course covers hazards, risks, controls, emergency procedures, records and assisted felling practices, procedures and techniques.

LEVEL 4 Certificate of Competence in Utility Arboriculture Surveyor (0038-40)

This course covers legislation, regulation and sector guidance requirements, process, and procedures for carrying out a utility survey.

LEVEL 4 Certificate of Competence in ETR 132

Resilience Arboricultural Surveyor (0038-41)

This course covers hazards, risks and controls, reasons behind undertaking an Electrical Technical Report (ETR) 132 survey, office-

It’s your Ringlink

based pre-survey, tree inspection equipment, survey information, fungal decay organisms, notifiable pests and diseases, factors for hardwood woodlands and softwood forestry plantations, risk rating, machinery for tree

Forestry

Pre-apprenticeship

“The Forestry sector supports approx. 25,000 jobs in Scotland. Woodland creation and management are seen as ways of halting the loss of biodiversity, which needs more skilled experienced staff to help reach the challenging targets set by government.

The pre-apprenticeship programme is a great route to attract new entrants in the growing forestry industry.” Helen McKay, Chief Forester for Scotland

Interested in Mentoring? Contact your local office or gail@ringlinkscotland.co.uk

Contact your local Ringlink office for full details. T & C’s apply Minimum of 12 months membership qualifying period.

TRAINING

PESTICIDES

Pesticides are widely used across many land-based industries and it’s essential they are handled, applied and stored correctly. Our range of courses teach you how to do just that.

SAFE USE OF PESTICIDES

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture and horticulture. But they can be potentially harmful substances, so a thorough appreciation of safe working practices is vital. Our course is tailor-made for people responsible for the storage, handling and application of pesticides.

ALUMINIUM PHOSPHIDE

Aluminium phosphide is a dangerous compound. Our course gives you a full working knowledge of the relevant commercial products and application equipment. It’s ideal for anyone using aluminium phosphide in a commercial environment, such as pest control operatives, farmers, gamekeepers and greenkeepers.

BOOM SPRAYER

Our course is designed for anyone who uses vehicle-mounted or trailer boom spraying equipment (hydraulic nozzle) as part of their work.

HAND-HELD APPLICATOR

Our course is designed for anyone who uses hand-held applicators with a hydraulic nozzle as part of their work.

Call 01561 376000 or Email: training@ringlinkservices.co.uk

Find out more at our website: ringlinkservices.co.uk

Enough to pay for your Ringlink Subscription!

Cards are on a no contract basis - can be cancelled at any time at no cost, except for any monies due > Fixed priced diesel by weekly alerts > Weekly or monthly invoicing > No more missing VAT receipts

To discuss call your local Ringlink office or Email: laurencekirk@ringlinkscotland.co.uk

TRAINING

PLANT & MACHINERY

From excavators to lift trucks, tractors to dumpers, our range of plant & machinery courses helps you develop your skills. They include specific training for particular vehicle types for you to develop the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely.

RIDE-ON MOWERS

A wide range of mowers are used across horticultural and landscape businesses. Our course makes sure you can operate a ride-on mower safely and efficiently.

PEDESTRIAN MOWERS

With proper training, most mowers little risk to either the user or anyone near to the machine. Our course will give you that training, ensuring you can operate a pedestrian mower safely and efficiently. Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you’ll receive a certificate of competence.

ABRASIVE WHEELS

This course gives you the skills, knowledge and confidence to operate an abrasive wheel machine safely for cutting and/or grinding operations, protecting both you and those around you.

TRACTOR DRIVING: 13-15 YEAR OLDS

Rural industry has a long and proud tradition of giving young workers the opportunity to learn on the job. Our course lets younger workers develop or expand on the skills and knowledge required to operate a tractor safely and competently.

TRACTOR DRIVING: INITIAL

The tractor is an essential piece of machinery for so many businesses and operating it safely and efficiently is absolutely vital. Our instructors will steer you through the entire tractor-driving process.

TRACTOR DRIVING: EXPERIENCED OPERATOR

The tractor is an essential piece of machinery for so many businesses and operating it safely and efficiently is absolutely vital.

continued on page 82

continued from page 81

ARM-MOUNTED CUTTING EQUIPMENT

TRAINING

Attachments such as the arm-mounted cutter give tractors an unrivalled versatility when it comes to rural work. Our course teaches you how to operate this useful tool safely and competently.

SKID STEER LOADER

This course gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate a skid steer loader safely, protecting both you and those around you. It offers two certificate options: operating either a tracked or wheeled machine, depending on your needs.

LOADING SHOVEL

This course gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate a loading shovel safely, protecting both you and those around you. It offers two certificate options: operating either a tracked or wheeled machine, depending on your needs.

This course gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate a ride-on roller safely, protecting both you and those around you.

DUMP TRUCK

This course gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate a dump truck safely, protecting both you and those around you. It offers a range of certificate options depending on your needs: articulated chassis up to 15 tonnes, articulated chassis above 15 tonnes, rigid chassis up to 15 tonnes tracked, rigid chassis up to 50 tonnes tracked, rigid chassis up to 15 tonnes wheeled, or rigid chassis up to 50 tonnes wheeled.

RIDE-ON ROLLER

TRAINING

FORWARD TIPPING DUMPER

Forward tipping dumpers are considered to have one of the highest rates of accidents, causing serious injuries and even fatalities. This course gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both you and those around you.

360° WHEELED EXCAVATOR

This course gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both you and those around you. It offers a range of certificate options depending on your needs: below ten tonnes, above ten tonnes, or excavators used as cranes.

360° TRACKED EXCAVATOR

This course gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both you and those around you. It offers a range of certificate options depending on your needs: below ten tonnes, above ten tonnes, or excavators used as cranes.

180° EXCAVATOR

This course gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both you and those around you. It offers a range of certificate options depending on your needs: below five tonnes, above five tonnes, or excavators used as cranes.

TRAINING

ATVS AND OFF-ROAD DRIVING

Anyone driving an off-road vehicle will benefit from our targeted courses. You may be looking to update your skills or get on board with the latest health and safety regulations. Whatever your needs, our courses will get your off-road driving skills up to speed.

ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE SIT-IN SKID STEER

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs, also known as quad bikes or quadbikes) are incredibly versatile and can master many off-road conditions. Our course boosts your driving skills, enabling you to use a tracked ATV safely and with confidence. You’ll also learn the fundamentals of loading, as well as key health and safety issues.

ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE SIT-IN CONVENTIONAL STEER

Sit-in conventional steer all-terrain vehicles are incredibly versatile machines, making them popular tools of the trade for agricultural businesses. But their flexibility means that even the most experienced rider can find themselves in potentially dangerous situations. Whatever your needs, our courses get your driving skills up to speed.

ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE SIT-ASTRIDE

The flexibility of sit-astride all-terrain vehicles (ATV), also known as quad bikes and all-terrain cycles means they can work with a range of attachments, including trailers, sprayers and spreaders. Whatever your needs, our courses get your driving skills up to speed.

4×4 OFF-ROAD VEHICLE

Anyone driving an off-road vehicle will benefit from our targeted courses. You may be looking to update your skills or get on board with the latest health and safety regulations. Perhaps you want to practise driving across challenging terrain or mastering your vehicle in difficult weather conditions. Whatever your needs, our courses will get your off-road driving skills up to speed.

Call 01561 376000 or Email: training@ringlinkservices.co.uk

Find out more at our website: ringlinkservices.co.uk

TRAINING

FIRST AID

This course covers a range of practical skills, including how to spot the signs of mental illness and have the confidence to approach someone who may be in need of professional help.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID AWARENESS (1 DAY)

This course covers a range of practical skills, including how to spot the signs of mental illness and have the confidence to approach someone who may be in need of professional help.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID SUPERVISOR (2 DAYS)

This course provides a deeper understanding to the above course of mental health factors that can affect people’s wellbeing.

+FORESTRY (F) FIRST AID (1 – 3 DAYS)

In addition to the First aid at work and Emergency first aid courses, the + Forestry content teaches candidates about the additional dangers associated with working as part of a team in a forestry or outdoor setting.

We offer first aid training for organisations of all sizes and across all sectors. From providing emergency first aid to mental health support, our courses help you keep your teams safe and healthy in the workplace.

EMERGENCY FIRST AID AT WORK (1 DAY)

Upon completion of the course, candidates will understand the role of the first aider, the importance of preventing cross-infection, the need for recording incidents and actions and how to use available equipment.

FIRST AID AT WORK REFRESHER (2 DAYS)

The content of this course is designed to update an existing first aider’s knowledge and skills, as well as introducing new techniques and procedures.

FIRST AID AT WORK (3 DAYS)

This course teaches candidates how to deal with resuscitation, bleeding, care of the unconscious casualty, shock, hypoxia, diabetic and epileptic emergencies, burns, fractures, poisoning, infection control and simple record keeping.

TRAINING

DRIVER CPC

DRIVER CERTIFICATE OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (CPC) IS NEEDED TO DRIVE A LORRY, BUS OR COACH.

You must do 35 hours of periodic training every five years to keep your Driver CPC. Our classroom-based course covers safe and fuel-efficient driving, legal requirements and health & safety, as well as service and logistics.

DRIVER CPC

This is a classroom-based course which covers elements of safe and fuel-efficient driving, legal requirements and health & safety, service and logistics.

TRAINING

HEALTH & SAFETY

Health and safety training develops a positive health and safety culture, where safe and healthy working becomes second nature to everyone. It also means you know how to work safely and without risks to health and meets the legal duty to protect the health and safety of employees.

IOSH

WORKING SAFELY

The course gives an outline of occupational safety & health, defining hazards and risks, identifying the most common hazards and how to improve safety performance. Working safely is for people at any level, in any sector worldwide, who need a grounding in the essentials of safety and health. It gives everyone at work an understanding of why they must “work safely” – and does it in an enjoyable way.

IOSH MANAGING SAFELY

This course covers assessing and controlling risks, understanding responsibilities and hazards, investigating incidents and measuring performance. Managing safely is designed for managers and supervisors in any sector, and any organisation.

Approved

HEALTH AND SAFETY – WORKING AT HEIGHTS

This course teaches the specific needs relating to health and safety when working at height and looks at a variety of scenarios you may encounter in your workplace. It promotes consistent, good health and safety practice.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS – CONSTRUCTION

This course develops your knowledge and confidence, so that you can work on a construction site safely. This course is for you if you are looking to join, are employed in or wishing to progress in, the construction and fencing industries.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS – FENCING

This course develops your knowledge and confidence, so that you can work as a fencing installer safely with regard to the regulation and law which applies to health and safety in the construction workplace.

Bogenraith provides an extensive range of services in both construction and agricultural environments covering all of Aberdeenshire.

DELIVERING A FIRST CLASS SERVICE

Construction:

• Earthworks

• Groundwork

• Excavations

• Siteworks

• Drainage

• Treatment plants

• Septic tanks

• Soak aways

• Installation of utilities and services

• Concrete works

• Snow ploughing and gritting

Plus all other related digger work

Agricultural :

• Crop Spraying (Self propelled 24m & 36m)

• Stone Raking (ELHO)

• Sowing (Grain & Fert)

• Weigh cell muck & digestate fibre spreading

• Cultivations/ Tillage

• Square / Round Baling

• Combining (Lexion)

• Grass Work

Plus all other related agricultural work

To find out how we can assist you contactAgricultural - Liam Dreelan liam@bogenraith.com T: 07741240151

Construction - Chris Warden Chris@bogenraith.com T: 07921 817268

All Enquiries - Ciaran Dreelan Ciaran@bogenraith.com T: 07764 379031 Bogenraith, Denside of Durris, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 6DS

TRAINING

SPRAYER OPERATOR

New sprayer operator course looks at storage and logistics

Book your place now on our latest sprayer operator half-day course focusing on storage and logistics.

We’re running courses at locations throughout Scotland in May and June, all backed up by the National Register of Sprayer Operator 2024-25 handbook.

This year’s professional update marks the start of a yearly rotation of in-depth topics. The course is packed with packed with reference material for effective, safe and environmentally responsible crop protection, and includes best practice videos.

Upcoming Course dates:

At a glance this half-day course will cover:

• What you currently have on farm, through to designing a new chemical store from scratch

• On-farm transportation and all the current legal requirements

• Agronomy update

• Protection of water

• Legislation updates

The course qualifies for 10 NROSO points or 8 BASIS points.

TRAINING

FORKLIFT TRAINING

A forklift is a large, powerful industrial truck that moves and stores materials safely and efficiently. That is why it is important for employers to provide their employees with the appropriate forklift operator training.

SIDELOADER

This course will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both you and those around you. It offers three certificate options depending on your needs.

ROUGH TERRAIN MASTED

This training course has been developed to help you understand how to operate a rough terrain masted lift truck safely. The amount of instruction you will require will depend largely upon your previous experience and sessions will be adapted to meet your needs.

INDUSTRIAL TELESCOPIC

This course is for you if you need to become proficient in safely operating an industrial telescopic lift truck. It equips you with the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both you and those around you. This course offers two certificate options depending on your needs

COUNTERBALANCE FORKLIFT

This course is for you if you need to become proficient in safely operating a counterbalance lift truck. It equips you with the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both you and those around you. This course offers three certificate options depending on your needs.

ROUGH TERRAIN TELESCOPIC

This course is for you if you need to become proficient in safely operating a rough terrain telescopic lift truck. It gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both you and those around you. It offers three certificate options depending on your needs: without stabilisers – articulated, or with stabilisers.

REACH TRUCK

This course is for you if you need to become proficient in safely operating a reach lift truck. It gives you the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both you and those around you. It offers two certificate options depending on your needs: up to and including 8m, or over 8m.

TRAINING

E-LEARNING

We have a selection of courses that can be completed online, offering a more flexible and convenient method of learning.

Learn from the comfort of your own office or home at a time that suits you.

With no need to travel and few printed materials, this is definitely a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to learn. Get in touch for more information or to discuss the full range of courses.

BECOME AN ASSESSOR

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?

Whether you are an expert in chainsaws or skilled in plant and machinery, why not explore the areas where you could put your talents to use?

As a Lantra instructor, you’ll enjoy the freedom and flexibility of working for yourself in the great outdoors, as well as playing a crucial role in delivering essential skills, training and qualifications to a diverse group of learners. Can you inspire, motivate and lead others to new heights? Then think about becoming a freelance Lantra instructor.

Whether you specialise in managing landscapes and habitats, working with livestock, or operating machinery and equipment, your talents can inspire others.

THE BENEFITS

There is a host of benefits and ongoing support, including:

• Work the areas you want, when you want

• Develop your career by adding new skills to your portfolio

• Regular training and CPD (continuing professional development) sessions

• A dedicated team providing full and ongoing support

To get started, you just need to provide a few details about your skills and experience and explain the main area of interest you’d like to develop as an instructor or assessor.

Find out more at:

https://www.lantra.co.uk /about/work-with-us/ become-an-instructor

TRAINING

ACCESS TRAINING FUNDS FOR FUTURE FORESTERS

The Future Forester Training Fund has been established by Scottish Forestry to support those relatively new to the sector, providing them with additional skills to progress their careers and employment opportunities in forestry beyond their current role.

The fund is open to anyone resident in Scotland who:

• Entered the forestry sector less than five years ago, or who is studying forestry, fulltime or part-time, or who is keen to start (they must be over 16)

• A newcomer wishing to pursue a career within the forestry sector or who is already working in forestry and wants to progress their career

WHAT KIND OF COURSES CAN I APPLY FOR?

Courses eligible for funding are badged as such in Skills Hub Scotland https://www.

They are happy to consider individual modules or units from full-time courses if they relate to forestry, on a case-by-case basis. Other courses available through Skills Hub Scotland or elsewhere will also be considered if you can demonstrate the relevance and value of the training.

FUNDING

100% funding is available for training up to the value of £500 per course.

In exceptional circumstances where you can fully explain the value of the training to you and your business, applications for courses costing more than £500 may be considered.

Please note: If you are a woman working in forestry and you started on your forestry career path over five years ago, you may be eligible for funding through the Women in Forestry Training Fund instead. If so, select your course and apply through the Women in Forestry Training

you and your

> Fully Accredited Training > Training Delivered on Site and Countrywide > Quality Assurance Approved > Lantra Training > City & Guilds NPTC Centre > NPORS Accredited

REFERENCE 05

Ringlink Scotland is the UK’s largest business ring with a membership of more than 3,000.

As part of the Ringlink community, this section provides some helpful reference material for you to use in running your business, keeping your workplace safe, efficient and compliant.

If there is other information you’d like to see in future handbooks, let us know next time you’re talking to us, or get in touch: our contact details are on the back cover.

Save money on your business’s utility bills

HSE: staying safe and healthy in the workplace

Vehicles and driving: what you need to know

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

1in3

Mental illness is one of the major public health challenges in Scotland with 1 in every 3 people estimated to be affected in any one year.

89%

89% of young farmers believe that by talking about mental health – this will help to remove any stigma attached to it.

REACH OUT…

88%

Current research within the agricultural community conducted by the Farm Safety Foundation revealed that 88% of famers under the age 40 now believe that mental health illness is the biggest danger facing the industry.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any mental health difficulties – please, please reach out for support. This could be by chatting to a friend or family member or your doctor or one of the many mental health charities who have dedicated volunteers.

RSABI

www.rsabi.org.uk

Tel: 0808 1234 555 (freephone, open 24 hours) email: helpline@rsabi.org.uk

SAMH

www.samh.org.uk

Tel: 0344 800 0550 (available Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm) email: info@samh.org.uk

Samaritans:

www.samaritans.org

Tel: 116 123

(freephone, open 24 hours 365 days)

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Want to learn more…find out how you may be able to help

SCQF Level 5 Award: Award in First Aid for Mental Health (1 day)

This course is designed to help the learner identify the signs and symptoms that may indicate that someone is suffering with poor mental health. It will also give them the skill and confidence to start a conversation and signpost the person towards help.

SCQF Level 6 Award: Award in Leading First Aid for Mental Health (2 days)

This course considers a wide range of mental health conditions and goes into details on the range of therapy and professional support available. This course is suitable for all persons within a workplace and is perhaps aimed more at supervisory/managerial level and those who have a responsibility for implementing a positive mental health culture.

WELLBEING WORKSHOP PILOT FOCUSES ON RESILIENCE

Ringlink recently hosted an innovative day-long event dedicated to building resilience and positive mental health.

More than 20 of this year’s pre-apprentices came together at our headquarters in Laurencekirk for a teambuilding and wellbeing workshop.

The focus of the full-day event was to help the young people improve their team-working, communication and problem-solving skills. Split into two parts, the morning was spent looking at mental health characteristics, its impact, and identifying strategies to maintain mental fitness.

The afternoon activities were more hands-on with the cohort divided into teams for tasks that included a “shepherd” herding blindfolded “sheep”, specially designed ball games and the intriguingly titled “island hopping”.

The day finished with the teams coming together to compete in the final “Tyre Stack” session.

POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE

Team One was crowned overall winners from the afternoon but Ringlink’s operations manager Gail Robertson emphasised that it was not all about the winning.

“Learning to work together as a team and to listen and support each other was a key component of the day and you could see that coming together,” she said.

“We introduced this workshop this year as an experiment and it was a positive and constructive day that helped them identify their own strengths and weaknesses.

“We’re really keen to help the pre-apprentices build their own resilience as well, because that is what will help them go forward into the workplace and succeed, as well as more widely in life.”

The workshop was delivered by Arbroathbased IED Training Solutions and supported by Hannah Scorgie and Paul Duguid from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

• Ringlink Services offers courses in mental health awareness: find out more at https://ringlinkservices. co.uk/project_category/ first-aid/ - or see also QR code

• Find out more about the Land-based Preapprenticeship programme in section 3 of this handbook or on our Ringlink Scotland website

REFERENCE

HEALTH & SAFETY: REDUCING THE RISK

GET YOUR TEAM - OR YOURSELF UP TO SPEED WITH OUR SPECIALIST HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING

Avoid a non-compliance result and reduce the risk of paying the HSE £157 per hour. Ringlink offers expert advice and support on health & safety and risk management.

Give us a call to discuss how we can help on 01561 376 000

The Health & Safety Executive also has an online publication relevant for everyone working on farms called Farmwise: your essential guide to health and safety in agriculture

Download a copy at www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture

In addition, health and safety training from Ringlink Services develops a positive health and safety culture, where safe and healthy working becomes second nature to everyone. It also means you know how to work safely and without risks to health and meets the legal duty to protect the health and safety of employees.

REFERENCE

HEALTH & SAFETY

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 agriculture has the worst rate of worker fatal injury (per 100,000) of all the main industry sectors, with the annual average rate over the last five years around 21 times as high as the all-industry rate.

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.

Figures published in the Health and Safety Executive’s report ‘Fatal injuries in agriculture, forestry and fishing in Great Britain 2022/23’ show 27 people were killed as a result of farming and other agriculture-related activities during the year.

Being injured by an animal (cattle) caused most deaths (eight) followed by falls from height (four), struck by an object (four), struck by a moving vehicle (three) and contact with machinery (three) – all regular features in previous year’s statistics.

Older workers (45+) account for 80% of all work-related fatalities in agriculture over the last 5 years.

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.

“What a good farm looks like” is free to download at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/ resources/good-farm.htm

REFERENCE

HEALTH & SAFETY

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. You can use the near miss form on the facing page to help you.

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.

REFERENCE

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

Location: (Please be as accurate as possible)

Time of incident

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

Description of incident:

Post Code

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:

Action taken:

Date:

REFERENCE

VEHICLES AND DRIVING - AGE RESTRICTIONS

CATEGORY

A

AM

B

B+E

Motor bicycles 17-21*

Moped, with a maximum designed 16 speed over 25km/h but no more than 45km/h

Goods vehicles not over 3.5t and 17 passenger vehicle with no more than nine seats (including the driver’s seat).

Combination of a vehicle in category B and 17 a trailer weighing up to 3,500kg max authorised mass. The load & weight limit for each vehicle can be found on the manufacturer’s plate or in the handbook. Please refer to this for permitted gross train weight of the vehicle

B1 Sub-category of B. Motor vehicles having three 17 or four wheels and an unladen weight not over 550kg.

C

Goods vehicles over 3.5t. A trailer up to 18-21* 750kg may be towed.

C+E Combination of a vehicle in category C and a 18-21* trailer over 750kg. This covers both articulated and drawbar combinations.

C1

Goods vehicles over 3.5t but not over 7.5t. 18-21*

A trailer up to 750kg may be towed.

REFERENCE

VEHICLES AND DRIVING - AGE RESTRICTIONS

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION

C1 +E

Combination of a vehicle in category C1 and a 18-21* trailer over 750 kg but not more than the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle. The total combination may not exceed 12 tonne.

D Passenger vehicle with more than eight 18-21* seats in addition to the driver’s seat. A trailer up to 750kg may be towed.

D+E

Combination of a category D vehicle with 18-21* a trailer over 750kg.

D1 Sub-category of D. Passenger vehicle with more 18-21* than eight seats but no more than 16 seats in addition to the driver’s seat. A trailer up to 750kg may be towed.

D1+E

Combination of a vehicle in category D1 and 18-21* 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.

F Agricultural Tractor. You can apply for a 16 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.

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

FARM VEHICLES ON THE ROAD

Up to 2.45m wide, trailer also up to 2.45m wide with 2 wheels or 4 close-coupled wheels (no more than 840mm apart)

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

to 400kgs or 550kgs unladen if designed to carry loads

REFERENCE

VEHICLES AND DRIVING - HAULAGE

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.

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 40mph Up to 3.5m wide 25mph

AGRICULTURAL TRAILERS - WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS

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).

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.

REFERENCE

VEHICLES AND DRIVING - 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.

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 > 2inExtra 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.

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.

REFERENCE

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 40km/h when transporting dangerous goods; or any trailer being towed by such a vehicle.

REFERENCE

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR UTILITY BILLS

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

ELECTRICITY: ARE YOU READY TO SWITCH?

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.

For 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.

Ringlink has already assisted over 41% of our members to review their electricity contracts

75% of those members are now using AMR metering and avoiding estimated billing.

Smart meters support the transition to a low-carbon energy system by unlocking new approaches to managing demand.

Advanced Meter Readings/data loggers (AMR) are for commercial use and create a one-way communication channel between a business and its energy supplier.

We have had our electricity contracts with Ringlink for many years. I find the supply prices very reasonable. The staff are very informative and look after our sites respectively and answer any questions I have swiftly when asked. I would not hesitate to recommend them.

Peter Robertson, Ednie Farms

We switched our electricity contract to sit with yourselves and if I’m honest I was dreading the amount of additional work it would cause to get things switched over and sorted. However, your team have been super-efficient and really taken what I thought was going to be a stressful experience and made it so simple. We are more than halving our pence per unit cost, which will be a significant saving for us. So many thanks to the team for all their help.

Anna Delday

REFERENCE

WATER

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

Ringlink has 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

FIAS - Providing fertiliser security, traceability and safety of fertilisers to your farm

What is FIAS?

FIAS is the Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme for the fertiliser supply chain. It provides an assurance framework for the manufacturers, merchants, hauliers and storekeepers to meet security, traceability and safety requirements. It was developed in response to a request from UK government, Other stakeholder include the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), the NFU and Red Tractor Farm Assurance who still take an active role in monitoring its progress.

Who is in FIAS?

There are approximately 450 companies in FIAS that range from fertiliser manufacturers, merchants, hauliers and storekeepers. These companies are in FIAS and meet strict criteria to ensure the safe delivery of your fertiliser. These companies cover the vast majority of the fertiliser supply chain in GB.

What are the benefits of FIAS?

 Fertiliser supply chain businesses are more security conscious and aware of possible terrorist threats—this leads to public safety as fertiliser is prevented of getting into the “wrong” hands

 Assistance in meeting legal requirements within the areas of security, traceability and safety

 Provides a due diligence defence in the event of an incident

 Meets the requirement of providing an assured chain

How

do I find out if my fertiliser

supplier is in FIAS?

The Red Tractor schemes are encouraging the use of FIAS certified suppliers. To find out if yours is certified, visit the AIC Register Checker at www.agindustries.org.uk for the up to date list.

How are companies assessed against FIAS?

Companies are audited annually against the FIAS Standards by an independent audit team that are specialists in this area. FIAS is certified by PAI and the FIAS standards are available on the AIC website at www.agindustries.org.uk

Where can I find out more information?

More information can be found out at www.agindustries org.uk by clicking on the FIAS tab.

Fertiliser Security on Farm

Fertiliser should also be stored securely on farm and more information can be found www.secureyourfertiliser.gov.uk

Phone: 01733 385230

Fax: 01733 385370

Email: simon.williams@agindustries.org.uk

Phone: 01423 878878

Fax: 01423 878870 Email: lorraine.chambers@thepaigroup.com

THINK SAFE, BE SAFE when

handling and storing

Many fertilisers are classified as oxidising agents or hazardous. If a fire breaks out, these fertilisers can accelerate the combustion process. Take extra care when handling and storing fertilisers to keep people safe and prevent an emergency situation.

HANDLE FERTILISER SAFELY

• Take care when moving or lifting fertiliser. Use the correct equipment and secure loads if transporting

• Do not exceed the safe working load of your machinery when lifting or transporting bags

• Ensure that forklift tines have rounded edges or secured metal sleeves

• Make sure that the lifting loops on the bag are correctly placed centrally on the tines

• Do not lift any damaged bags

• Drive slowly and smoothly, especially on uneven ground

STORE FERTILISER SAFELY

• Always check packaging for hazardous or oxidising symbols and store accordingly

• We recommend that all fertiliser is stored inside a secure fire-proof building

• Store separately from all combustible and incompatible materials

• Ensure there are no naked flames or smoking near stored fertiliser

• For stability, interlock the bags and only stack to a maximum of three bags high. Keep a 1m gap between stacks and the walls and roof of the building

• Take care that damaged bags cannot topple over

KNOW WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY

•

•

Ripped Holed Taped Torn loop

ABOUT RINGLINK 06

Ringlink Scotland is the UK’s largest business ring with a membership of more than 3,000.

As a co-operative, the business is owned by its members, and therefore, revolves around the supply and demand of goods and services between its members.

Established in 1988, the company has seen significant growth progressing from entirely focusing on agriculture into a diverse range of business sectors including haulage, construction and

forestry along with a variety of other business activities.

It’s not just a case of “what we can do for you”, it’s “what can we do for each other”.

Find out a bit more about Ringlink and the people behind it.

ABOUT RINGLINK

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.

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.

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.

ABOUT RINGLINK

METHOD OF OPERATION - CONTINUED

5. INSURANCE AND RISK

5.1 All Suppliers shall at all times whilst carrying on any contracted work maintains in force the following insurance policies with reputable insurance companies:

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

5.3 Suppliers shall notify their insurers they are performing contract work for third parties for reward by third parties.

5.4 Demanders must ensure adequate insurance is in place for all self-drive equipment when attached or unattached, or any other hired equipment.

5.5 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.

5.6 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.

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.

6.2 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.

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 £25.00 charge to cover administration and Bank Charges. Interest at eight percent (8%) or four percent (4%) above Virgin Money 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.

ABOUT RINGLINK

METHOD OF OPERATION - CONTINUED

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.

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 out with 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.

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

Case IH

Rebate Scheme

CLAI M YO UR RE BATE N OW

Case IH UK has agreed to continue the largely successful 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 from any of the models as detailed in the list shown below. In addition, you will also be entitled to a share of the competitive trade-in bonus.

The process is simple, visit your local CASE IH dealer to select your new CASE IH tractor, baler or combine, tell them that you are a member of Ringlink, provide us with a copy of your invoice and we will take care of the rest.

Vestrum

Maxxum

Farmlift (Telehandler)

Puma150 - 175

Puma 185 - 240

Optum

Magnum

Magnum RowTrac

Quadtrac

Round Baler

Square Baler

Combine

Ringlink are completely committed to providing services and solutions to its members, for the benefit of its members. So as part of SMRA, we are able to offer this Rebate Scheme as another benefit of your membership. Contact your local

Contact your local Ringlink office to find out more.

COMPANY

1988 - Mearns & Angus MR formed.

1992 - 2nd office opens in two porta cabins.

1995 - Mearns & Angus Services formed.

1998 - Ringlink Scotland formed following merger with NorthEast MR. Elgin office opens.

1 Member of Staff In 1988

BRIEF HISTORY OF RINGLINK

1988 - 1998

10 Members of Staff In 1999

£10 Million Group Turnover In 2003

840 Members In 1998

£1 Million Group Turnover In 1991

1999 - 2009

1999 - 1000 Members.

2000 - Ardler office opens.

2004 - Merged with Gordon & Buchan MR.

Head office opens at Cargill Centre, Laurencekirk.

2009 - Oldmeldrum office opens.

2800 Members In 2016

38 Members of Staff In 2017

2000 Members In 2005

£40 Million Group Turnover In 2016

2011 - Ringlink Services formed from Mearns & Angus services.

2013 - Ringlink Internship Programme launched.

2014 - Coupar Angus office opens.

2024

3000 Members.

£93 million Group Turnover. 9,682 Trainees for the year.

42 Members of Staff.

2010 - 2016 2017-2023 2024

£50 Million Group Turnover In 2018

2017 - Pre-apprenticeship launches, formerly the Internship programme.

2019 - Pre-apprenticeship gains Scottish Government funding.

2020 - Cupar office opens.

2021 - Laurencekirk extension completed.

2022 - Training Centre opens.

30th Anniversary

Celebrated in 2018

ELGIN

LAURENCEKIRK

CUPAR

COUPAR ANGUS

ABOUT RINGLINK - MEET THE BOARD

JAMES PORTER CHAIRMAN

James Porter farms East and West Scryne at Carnoustie with his father, where they grow potatoes, barley, wheat, and soft fruit. James and his family are no strangers to the lifestyle; they have been farming for at least five generations and growing strawberries since the 1960s.

James is a grower member of Angus Soft Fruits and Angus Growers, and an ambassador of the Royal Highland Education Trust. James has been a Director of Ringlink since 2008 and was appointed Chairman of the board in 2019.

GRAHAM BRUCE 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. Graham sits on the SAWB as an employers representative as appointed by NFUS and is an Associate of the Royal Agricultural Societies (ARAgS).

JOHN GRAY VICE CHAIRMAN

John has had a diverse career, growing on the family farm at Auchrennie in Angus, where he was involved in cereals, potatoes, soft fruit & brassica enterprises. After graduating from Edinburgh University in 1998 he moved to Poland and was part of the management team of a large-scale potato growing & packing operation. In 2003 he moved back to Scotland, joining Angus Soft Fruits where he is now Managing Director.

Angus Soft Fruits breed, grow, pack and deliver soft fruit to retailers in the UK, Europe, The Middle East and Asia. The business has a management team of 85 operating in Spain, Morocco and Chile in addition to the UK. John also grows strawberries in partnership in England, and is a member of Angus Growers.

John has been a Director of Ringlink since 2022 and recently appointed Vice Chairman in 2024.

ted Kingdom’s largest business ring with a membership in

from a company focusing entirely on agriculture into a includes haulage, construction, and forestr y together with ctivities.

business is owned by its members, and therefore, revolves around of goods and ser vices between its members As a case of “what we can do for you”, it ’s “what can we do for

Board of Directors

Graham Bruce Managing Director

Clive Phillips Director

which he owns 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 650 north-country Cheviot ewes supplying a Tesco COP contract through McIntosh Donald. He also represents the Scottish producers in that contract with Tesco and the processors.

Clive has been a Director with Ringlink since 2014 and also sits on various legal and technical committees for QMS, NSA, NFU and Scottish Land & Estates.

PETER CHAPMAN DIRECTOR

Peter farms 420 hectares 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 hectares managed on a winter barley, WOSR, winter wheat and spring barley rotation. He also has 50 suckler cows with all progeny finished on farm. Peter and his family own and operate 4 800kW wind turbines with all generation exported to the grid. Peter currently sits on the board of Scottish Agronomy and represents Ringlink on the SAOS council. Peter has been a Director of Ringlink since 2012 and Vice Chairman for 4 years until stepping down in 2023.

ABOUT RINGLINK - MEET THE BOARD

MATTHEW STEEL DIRECTOR

Matthew Steel is a Director of the family farm at Craignathro, Forfar. Here the family grow potatoes, cereals and produce free range eggs. Alongside the traditional farming, there is an interest in renewable energy with a wind turbine, solar, biomass boiler and ground source heat pump. The farm is mixed with the potatoes and eggs taking up the bulk of the time. Four full time and two part time staff are employed on the farm who work alongside Matthew and his parents.

Out with the main farming commitments, Matthew also sits on the main board of NFUS in his capacity as the Next Gen Chair. He also holds representation on the Pigs and Poultry working groups at NFUS. Furthermore, he sits on the potato committee at SSCR based at the James Hutton Institute.

JENNIFER MARSHALL DIRECTOR

Jennifer works in partnership with her husband, Rowan, farming 1,300 acres in Perthshire. The farm produces potatoes, oats, wheat and barley as well as strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blackcurrants and redcurrants. They also run a small farm shop. Jennifer is a Director of Angus Growers PO and typically employs around 150 fruit pickers between May and November.

PETER OOSTERHOF DIRECTOR

Peter farms at Savoch Farm, at Lonmay near Fraserburgh where he took over running the family farm in his own right in 2017. Peter has since focused on expanding and streamlining the business on crop production and cattle finishing.

In 2019 he was named Young Producer in the Marks & Spencer (M&S) Awards at the Royal Highland Show and in 2022 received their Farming with Nature Award. Peter has been involved in a three-year sustainability project with M&S, creating corn bunting habitat trails with the RSPB and hosts a Hutton institute greenhouse gas emissions measuring station on peatland on his farm. He is married to Jane and they have three young children. Peter joined the Ringlink board of directors in December 2023.

RINGLINK WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR ABOUT RINGLINK - MEET THE BOARD

Matthew Currie DIRECTOR

This year, we welcome Savills director Matthew Currie onto Ringlink’s board of directors.

He joins as Jane Craigie steps down from the board having served her current three-year term.

As well as farming at home, Matthew leads Savills Food & Farming consultancy team in south-west Scotland.

He is a trustee of Farmstrong Scotland, a director of the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society & Pedigree Cattle Services Ltd, and a director of a leading Scottish health information provider.

An eighth-generation farmer, he has a 40-cow pedigree Aberdeen Angus stud selling 12-15 bulls a year at Stirling, Carlisle & at home.

Matthew is also a past director of The Royal Highland Agricultural Society for Scotland and a Nuffield Farming Scholar.

When asked why he accepted the invitation to join the board, he said: “I’m always drawn to companies who can make a difference in agriculture especially those who have boards of interesting and able people - and this is a key time for the industry in Scotland.”

“As the largest co-operative in the UK, Ringlink has the scale to make a material difference and it can facilitate change through leadership and member support.”

Alongside fellow board member James Orr, Matthew is developing the peer-to-peer learning initiative mentioned at the recent AGM, and on which more news will follow.

I’m looking forward to meeting members, using the skills and experience I’ve gained across a range of agricultural sectors to progress Ringlink’s success story, as well as working with and learning from our managing director, chairman and the wider board.

I know that Ringlink can continue to make a positive contribution to members’ businesses.

RINGLINK SCOT LAND

Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd

Ringlink Services

Evelyn Coates

Alison Walker

Mandy Lyon

Debbie Henderson

Caroline Donaldson Tom Easson

uce

Old Meldrum

Coupar Angus

TOM EASSON SENIOR LABOUR MANAGER AREA MANAGER

Matt Thompson Marketing Co-ordinator

Mike Scott Area Manager

Gina Foreman Area Manager Labour Assistant

Matt Thompson Marketing Co-ordinator

Karrina Andrews Area Manager Henry Taylor Area Manager

Ryan Dorsie Area Manager

Mike Scott Area Manager Manager James Rae Area Manager

Gregg Watson Area Manager

Manager Alick Anderson Senior Area Manager John Milne Area Manager Gina Foreman Area Manager

Brian Mutch Area Manager

Ola Nowak

Assistant

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 747641

Mobile: 07813 104586

Email: nedoors@neids.co.uk

ABOUT RINGLINK

PROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

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

Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd & Ringlink Services Ltd gather and process your information in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation. Information that we collect and hold may include the following:

> Name and address (including site locations)

> Telephone numbers

> Email addresses

> VAT number

> Bank account details

> Self-employed tax reference

> National Insurance number

> Product & public liability insurance document

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

Our privacy notice is available to read in full at: www.ringlinkscotland.co.uk or www.ringlinkservices.co.uk

ABOUT RINGLINK

CONVERSION CHART

LENGTH

10 millimetres 1 centimetre

10 centimetres 1 decimetre

10 decimetres 1 metre

10 metres 1 decametre

10 decametres 1 hectometre

10 hectometres 1 kilometre

1000 metres 1 kilometre

VOLUME

1000 cu. mm 1 cu. cm

1000 cu. cm 1 cu. decimetre

1000 cu. dm 1 cu. metre

1 million cu. cm 1 cu. metre

MASS

TO CONVERT TO METRIC, MULTIPLY BY THE FACTOR SHOWN.

TO CONVERT FROM METRIC, DIVIDE BY THE FACTOR.

DISTANCE

January

ABOUT RINGLINK - CALENDAR 2025/26

February

April

May

July

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

March

ABOUT RINGLINK

• ADM

• Astute

• BIS Ltd

• Bogenraith Farms

• Bridgend Aggregates

• Brineflow

• Cameron Associates

• CC Powell

• Certas Energy

• Coltrak

• DM Carnegie

• Denis O Brown Ltd

• DWP Harvesting

• Fasque Timber

• Filpumps

• GPH Builders Merchants

• JF Supplies

• Lathallan School

• Law Fertilisers

• Lovie Quarry

• MacGregor Supplies

• Mark Garrick

• NFU Mutual

• North East Ind Doors

• Oilfast

• Ramclean

• Redpath Tyres

• RTS Forestry

• Virgin Money

ELGIN

Moycroft Ind Est, Elgin IV30 1XZ

T: 01343 550123

OLDMELDRUM

Unit 2 Colpy Way, Colpy Road

Industrial Estate, Oldmeldrum AB51 0BZ

T: 01651 873602

LAURENCEKIRK

Cargill Centre, Aberdeen Road

Laurencekirk AB30 1EY

T: 01561 377790

COUPAR ANGUS

Meadowside Park, Coupar Angus

Blairgowrie PH13 9ER

T: 01828 640456

CUPAR

Unit 2, West Rigg, West Port, Cupar KY15 4AW

T: 01334 809999