Sheep coupled support payments worth £7 million will start arriving in the bank accounts of farmers and crofters in the next few weeks.
Rural Economy Secretary, Fergus Ewing, yesterday confirmed the start of payments through the Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme to 1,044 eligible producers. The scheme is designed to help active hill farmers and crofters through a payment coupled to the number of ewe hoggs they keep as breeding replacements for their flocks.
“Payments of £60 per animal will now be made at an earlier point than last year in order to aid farmers’ cash flow, providing a welcome boost to the rural economy, while also helping to continue to support farmers who are producing the quality meat products that Scotland is renowned for globally,” said Mr Ewing.
NFU Scotland less favoured areas committee chairman Robert MacDonald, who farms near Grantown, said: “After a long and difficult winter and spring, which saw increased hill farm and croft spending, this additional cashflow is more needed than ever to ensure the viability of these hill farming or crofting business.”
