Farmers and crofters given more time for sheep coupled support applications

The Scottish Government has granted farmers and crofters more time to complete and submit applications for the Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing yesterday confirmed that the deadline for the scheme had been extended to November 30.

This follows poor weather conditions hampering farmers’ ability to gather flocks off the hills and draw their future breeding stock.

The original deadline was October 16.

“Despite this extension, I would urge all farmers who wish to do so to submit their applications online as soon as possible and not wait until the last moment,” added Mr Ewing.

“Our sheep sector contributes more than £200million a year to the rural economy, so it is only right that we offer them as much support and flexibility as possible within the confines of EU legislation.”

The scheme’s retention period will remain the same – October 17, 2017, to March 31, 2018.

NFU Scotland vice-president Martin Kennedy said: “While it may appear a small change, those who are reliant on SUSSS as a lifeline support will very much welcome the cabinet secretary’s intervention.”