Scotland’s agriculture minister has suggested farmers should put blocks on the ground and use spray paint to deter criminals after revealing he hasn’t met with his justice secretary following a 90% rise in quad bike theft.
In parliament, Jim Fairlie said he “hasn’t spoken directly” to Angela Constance about rural crime following a question from North East MSP Liam Kerr on quad bike theft increasing across Scotland.
New figures obtained by Mr Kerr from NFU Mutual show the estimated cost of quad bike theft in Scotland has already risen to £194,000 this year compared to £102,000 for the whole of 2024.
In his response, the SNP agriculture minister instead suggested that farmers should use blocks and spray paint as a deterrent against the criminals targeting their livelihoods.
It follows concerns from Mr Kerr and the industry that cuts to Police Scotland have resulted in farmers being an “easy target” for criminals.
After being questioned on if he has met with Scotland’s justice secretary following the rise in rural crime, Mr Fairlie revealed: “I have not spoken directly to the justice minister about rural crime.”
He added: “Farm theft is a heinous crime. It really takes away the working tools of a working farmer, I accept that, but there are a number of things farmers can do for themselves to protect their own vehicles such as blocks in the ground and spray paint.”
Following the revelation, Scottish Conservative North East MSP Liam Kerr said: “The SNP’s agriculture minister should be ashamed of himself for not meeting the justice secretary to discuss the rise in rural crime.
“At a time when farmers are already at breaking point and are becoming easier targets for criminals due to police cuts in Scotland, the lack of action taken by Jim Fairlie is utterly inexcusable.
“It will take more than putting blocks on the ground and using spray paint to deter these serious criminals from the misery they look to inflict on our farmers.
“Farmers deserve to feel safe – in their homes, businesses and fields.
“This is not just about property. It’s about lives, livelihoods and the future of farming in Scotland.”
