With the Scottish Independence vote less than 12 months away, it was no surprise to see leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Alex Salmond, getting heavily involved in recent events at Grangemouth.

Cooking was once a skill all Brownies and Guides used to dutifully learn. Now, thanks to Felton-based fuel company Rix Petroleum, members of one North Tyneside guide group will soon be able to sharpen their culinary skills using a state-of-the-art cooker and microwave.

Not so long ago, farming was not an attractive career or lifestyle choice. And I doubt many saw it as an investment opportunity. The headlines were filled almost daily with new woes and strife, from BSE to foot-and-mouth, to subsidies and price squeezing.

Rix Petroleum is proud to be supporting Bridlington Young Farmers Club to help the organisation attract more members, who will hopefully become the next generation of British farmers.

Rix Petroleum Midlands are proud to be sponsoring the Kenilworth Show for the 8th year running.

Heating oil users will know that despite their efforts to keep their oil-fired boilers in tip top condition, there may come a time when they need to turn to heating oil suppliers to discuss replacing their boiler with a new model.

British agriculture is the best in the world; we here at Rix have learnt that through decades working with farmers across the country. But it can be a challenging industry in which to make ends meet – recent media reports suggest the average British hill farmers earns on average just £12,600 per year, despite public perception that the figure is much higher.

In the baking summer heat, Rix Petroleum Mercia, joined thier local Scout club at the Scouts national pedal car championships at Darley Moor Racetrack in Derbyshire.