Funding

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has taken the keys to its new glasshouse as part of the multimillion-pound redevelopment and modernisation project at Newton Nursery near Elgin.

The Scottish Government and NatureScot, working in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, are launching the third round of Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS), the programme of support to help scale up private investment in Scotland’s natural capital.

Farmers and crofters will be able to continue to access payments to carry out soil analysis, carbon audits, and animal health and welfare interventions for an extra year, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon has confirmed.

So far, more than 8,500 claims have been received since 2022.

Orkney’s farmers, crofters and producers could benefit from a new local abattoir which will help them bring their produce to market, benefit the island’s economy and support high-welfare meat production.

First Minister John Swinney visited Orkney Auction Mart, which has received a £15,000 grant as a lead partner to help build the business case for a new, fit-for-purpose processing plant.

Farmers and crofters will benefit from £20 million additional capital support this year and £26 million next year, First Minister John Swinney has confirmed.

Speaking at the NFU Scotland annual conference he outlined how at least £14 million of the funding will deliver a Future Farming Investment Scheme, providing flexible capital grants.

The Royal Countryside Trust has launched a new UK-wide Supporting Rural Communities grant programme which is now open for expressions of interest.

The agreement between South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS) will support the industry’s transition towards Net Zero emissions, while aiming to increase its Gross Value Added (GVA) for the region.

Communities across the country will benefit from £9 million Scottish Government funding for measures to help cut energy costs and support the development of locally-owned renewable energy projects.

Farmer-led groups are recommending the Whole Farm Plan to support farmers and crofters in taking a holistic view of their businesses.

By establishing their current performance and activities, farmers and crofters can identify opportunities for improvement and work towards greater productivity and profitability, positioning their business to contribute to meeting Scotland’s climate and nature targets.

Operational renewable energy projects across Scotland have now committed over £30 million worth of community benefits to communities in the last 12 months.