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Chamber and committees

Ayrshire Farm Goes Plastic-free

  • Submitted by: Sharon Dowey, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
  • Date lodged: Wednesday, 08 February 2023
  • Motion type: Standard Motion
  • Motion reference: S6M-07775
  • Current status: Fallen

That the Parliament welcomes the news that Ayrshire’s Mossgiel Farm has reached an incredible milestone, saving 15 million pieces of plastic from landfill since removing single-use plastic from the farm in 2019; notes that Bryce Cunningham, farmer and operator of Mossgiel Farm in Mauchline, began running the dairy farm in 2013; understands that the farm is the first British dairy farm to eliminate single-use plastics, invest in electric delivery vans with zero tailpipe emissions, and heat the farm with 70% fewer emissions by using biomass; recognises these as positive steps for the farm and as part of the family’s ongoing commitment to become carbon neutral by December 2025; understands that the changes to the farm's operations came after the family business hit difficulties, and had to look at more cost-effective ways to operate; further understands that Bryce’s eco efforts began as the farm went organic, and the animals started being grass-fed, to save the family legacy; considers the farm to have strong connections to Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, who farmed the land with his brother from 1784 until 1786; commends Bryce for his eco efforts, which have saved his family business, and wishes the farm every success on its journey to become carbon neutral.


Supported by: Clare Adamson, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Finlay Carson, Jim Fairlie, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Maurice Golden, Dr Pam Gosal MBE, Dr Sandesh Gulhane, Rachael Hamilton, Craig Hoy, Stephen Kerr, Bill Kidd, Douglas Lumsden, Ruth Maguire, Edward Mountain, Douglas Ross, Alexander Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Mercedes Villalba, Annie Wells, Tess White, Brian Whittle