Farmers and crofters to receive £39m in loan payments

Less Favoured Area Support Scheme loan payments will start arriving in bank accounts in the next few days.

Rural Economy Secretary, Fergus Ewing, confirmed that LFASS payments through the loan scheme had begun and more than £39 million would be paid to more than 6,000 farmers and crofters in the first payment run.

“I believe we must help those who need help the most, which is why I am pleased to confirm that the first tranche of the national LFASS loan payments will begin to arrive in bank accounts in the coming days,” said Mr Ewing.

“This money will provide a cash injection worth £39.45m into the rural economy, providing a degree of certainty to those 6,083 recipients enabling them to plan for the year ahead.

“I would encourage anyone who has yet to accept a loan offer to consider it carefully and respond as soon as possible. The sooner we have confirmation of your loan acceptance, the sooner we can get this vital money out to you.”

The opt-in loan scheme provides eligible farmers and crofters with 90% of their LFASS payment for 2018.