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MP raises concerns with Chancellor about move which threatens ploughing matches and charity tractor runs


By Kyle Ritchie

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MP Richard Thomson has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer asking him to row back on a threat from HMRC which puts at risk the continued existence of ploughing matches and charity tractor runs.

HMRC have said that from April 2022, tractors used at such events must run on white diesel instead of agricultural red diesel as they do not regard ploughing matches or charity events as “agricultural use”.

A new change from HMRC puts events such as ploughing matches at risk. Picture: David Porter
A new change from HMRC puts events such as ploughing matches at risk. Picture: David Porter

Mr Thomson has been contacted by a constituent Alick Anderson who has been involved in ploughing matches for more than 30 years and who now fears for the continued existence of these events.

The Gordon MP said: “The UK Government and HMRC have form in this regard. Back in 2008, they tried to ban the use of red diesel in tractors which were being used to help with setting up agricultural shows but relented under pressure.

“This time is even more serious as it threatens the existence of ploughing matches and the charity road runs by tractor enthusiasts which raise so much money for good causes.

“I don’t see how there can be any serious argument on the part of HMRC that ploughing matches are not agricultural work given the skills that they help develop.

Gordon MP Richard Thomson.
Gordon MP Richard Thomson.

"I have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer asking him to intervene and ensure that a sensible approach is taken by HMRC so that these popular events can continue.

“It seems clear that this is yet another attack on rural Scotland from the UK Government who either don’t know or don’t care about the knock-on consequences of this ill-thought out policy.”

Mr Anderson commented in a letter to the MP : "A ploughing match offers an opportunity for education and skill sharing; ploughing match associations see it as their roll to nurture, foster and encourage the next generation of ploughmen

“I understand HMRC’s motivation to withdraw red diesel use to match competitors is based on environmental impact – I feel that the decision is counterproductive.

“Putting matches out of practical reach of competitors will impact on the quality of work and efficiency on farms.

"This will have the opposite effect than is desired.”

“At least half of the competitors entering our competitions use their tractors in the course of their day-to-day farm work, where the use of red diesel is within the regulations,

“I fear that rather than draining their diesel tank and swapping the red diesel for DERV (Diesel Oil for Road Vehicles) before a competition, to comply with HMRC regulations, they will instead simply stop competing.”


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