Funding

Food and drink producers have been awarded a share of almost £3.5 million from the Food Processing, Marketing and Cooperation (FPMC) scheme.

Thirteen businesses are the latest to be awarded grants from the scheme to diversify and expand their operations, including an artisan dairy and a brewing company.

The Lanarkshire LEADER programme has awarded a grant of £69,720 to the WAT IF? community development trust to support the employment of a Development Manager for three years.

Woolfords, Auchengray, Tarbrax Improvement Foundation was established in 2012 and aims to support rural regeneration and community development in the three villages. It also manages the distribution of community benefit funding generated from surrounding local wind farms.

Funding is available to land owners, managers, farmers, crofters and estates to help protect Scotland's peatlands.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has already received more than £4 million of applications to the Peatland Action Fund and wants further applications before the closing date at the end of October.

Rural Payments and Services have produced a short film highlighting how the Scottish Government and the Forestry Commission are preparing the ground for a new generation of farmers.

In the film, which you can view below, Robin Waddell of Forestry Commission Scotland interviews farmer Archie Paterson about his experience as a new entrant renting publicly owned land.

Applications are now open for Adaptation Scotland's new community engagement pioneer project.

Scotland’s climate is changing with widespread impacts for people, nature and business. The Adaptation Scotland programme provides advice and support to help organisations, businesses and communities prepare for, and build resilience to these impacts.