Fife Show 2026

3 hours ago
2 min read

One of the highlights of my calendar is always the Fife Show, and this year was no exception. It was a real pleasure to spend the day in Cupar meeting farmers, small business owners and so many others who keep our agricultural sector thriving. Events like the Fife Show are a reminder of just how central farming is to the identity and economy of North East Fife, and how important it is that their voices are heard in Parliament.

But alongside the pride and community spirit, I also heard a great deal of concern. Rising costs continue to put enormous pressure on rural businesses. Fuel prices, including the cost of red diesel, remain a major worry for farmers who simply cannot avoid using their vehicles and machinery. When the price of filling a tank jumps, it hits every part of the supply chain - from ploughing fields to transporting produce.

The same is true for fertiliser costs, which have surged in recent months. Farmers told me how these increases are squeezing already tight margins and making long‑term planning incredibly difficult. These are not abstract issues; they affect food production, local jobs and the resilience of our rural economy. That’s why I’ve raised these concerns directly in the House of Commons, pressing Ministers to recognise the unique pressures facing agricultural communities and to provide meaningful support.

Another topic of conversation at the Show was the fire at Lower Melville Wood fire, where firefighters have only left earlier this week. The impact on air quality has raised significant concerns, and I’ve heard from residents worried about the health implications, especially for children, older people and those with respiratory conditions. Ongoing work onsite will be needed before full service resumes, but it’s clear that the local community need to see a full investigation and have reassurance on how a future incident will be prevented. I’ll be pressing Cireco, Fife Council, SEPA and others to ensure that this is transparent and well communicated.

North East Fife’s rural communities are resilient, but they should not be left to shoulder these challenges alone. Whether it’s fighting for fairer fuel policies, pushing for action on rising input costs, or ensuring proper responses to environmental incidents, I will continue to stand up for the agricultural and the communities it supports.