New entrants are being given the chance to apply for a farm tenancy at the Scottish Government’s first starter farm unit.
The 296-acre holding at Balrobert Farm, which lies four miles south of Inverness, has been formed from excess land at the site of the government’s bull stud at Knocknagael.
The unit, which comprises a mixture of grazing and cropping land with various steading buildings, was initially launched by farm minister Richard Lochhead at last year’s Royal Highland Show.
New entrants are now being invited to apply for a tenancy on the holding, initially under a 10-year limited duration tenancy.
“It’s crucial that we do all we can to introduce new farmers to an industry which is vital to Scotland’s economy,” said Mr Lochhead at the Scotsheep event in Berwickshire today.
“We must ensure that we can attract fresh talent and ideas to continue the great work which already goes on in the sector.”
He said the farm offered a great opportunity for a new farmer to “gain valuable experience managing their own farm business before moving onto bigger and better things at the end of their lease period”.
The unit is the first starter farm to be launched by government, but the tenth unit in Scotland.
Forestry Commission Scotland currently has seven starter farms in operation across the country, with another two planned for future.
New entrants interested in applying for a tenancy on the holding, which is available to let from September 1, 2014, must contact Bell Ingram’s Perth office for an application form or online at www.bellingram.com.