Rural services

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has launched a series of new courses to help local businesses in the Highlands and Islands meet Net Zero and other environmental standards.

Wild Strathfillan, a new ambitious nature restoration initiative in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, has become one of seven delivery projects in Scotland to receive a generous and substantial funding boost to the value of £1.1 million thanks to the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.

Recipients of agriculture support have been updated on the changes coming into force in 2025.

Rural Payments and Services is delivered by the Scottish Government’s Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID), with delivery partners. RPID is the accredited paying agency in Scotland.

As part of Scotland’s National Adaptation Plan and wider Just Transition commitments, the Scottish Government is developing a Flood Resilience Strategy which will focus on what we need to do to make our communities more flood resilient over the coming decades.

Galloway has been confirmed as the proposed location for Scotland’s next National Park with a further investigation to be carried out on its suitability.

Funding of £2,000 is now available to all Scottish Farming businesses for a FAS Integrated Land Management Plan, including those that had one before 4 July 2024.

Partners across Peatland ACTION have highlighted the shortage of machine operators skilled and experienced in peatland restoration as being a significant constraint on the delivery of restoration projects.