Top 25 accountancy practice Johnston Carmichael is to provide a dedicated telephone support service and written information for National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) members under a new partnership agreement with the union.

The Johnston Carmichael Tax & Business Advice Line will operate 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. NFUS members can call 0800 023 2368 or email [email protected] for 20 minutes' free advice. The firm is also providing revised written information on recurring tax and accountancy issues, such as capital allowances and inheritance tax, for NFUS members.

Robin Dandie, head of agriculture at Johnston Carmichael said: 'We are delighted to provide a business and tax advice helpline to NFUS. Scotland's farming community is of great importance to the economy and we have been looking after the needs of this sector for over 75 years.'

Specialist agricultural staff at Johnston Carmichael will attend the union's legal and technical committee in order to help inform NFUS policy, and the firm's staff have also offered to come to NFUS branch meetings to talk about issues of concern to farmers and crofters.