Scottish Land & Estates has leant its weight to the campaign to support Farmers with Dyslexia. The initiative was set up by NFU Scotland. The Union is calling for cross-party support for a campaign to raise awareness of the problems faced by farmers with dyslexia.

 

NFUS has been working alongside a member with dyslexia who has experienced some difficulties in coping with form-filling associated with the sector. This included problems completing some of the forms regularly issued by the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspection Directorate (SGRPID).

 

Work has been ongoing with Dyslexia Scotland, the Scottish Government and SRUC and there is now better recognition that dyslexia can cause significant disadvantage for farmers and crofters in their dealings with SGRPID.

 

Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, President of Dyslexia Scotland has voiced his support for this campaign, which is aimed at ensuring that those affected by dyslexia have access to the appropriate tools and mechanisms to assist them and that they are not unfairly discriminated against.

 

David Johnstone, Chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, commented:

 

“The stigma attached to dyslexia is immense, and for farmers in particular, the burden caused by this condition needs to be lifted. We applaud this campaign and look forward to lending our support to bring about progress for all sufferers.”

 

A full copy of the NFUS press release can be found at:

 

http://www.nfus.org.uk/news/2014/july/union-launches-campaign-support-farmers-dyslexia