Farmers and crofters are invited to attend one of 15 events being held across the country to explain the intricacies of the new Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP).
Scottish Government officials are embarking on a roadshow, starting next week, to explain the new schemes under the SRDP, which is set to deliver more than £1.35billion in support over the next six years.
A series of events, including eight in the north and north-east, will offer an insight into 15 SRDP schemes with a focus on the six land-based and capital schemes.
“Although the SRDP is still subject to final European approval, we have already begun accepting applications for various schemes so that the Scottish Government is ready to pay out at the earliest opportunity once the programme is approved,” said farm minister Richard Lochhead.
“My officials will be on hand to answer any questions about the schemes and initiatives, and I would encourage as many people as possible to attend.”
He urged producers applying for funding through the SRDP or any other scheme under the Common Agricultural Policy to ensure they are registered with the online Rural Payments and Services system.
The first event kicks off on February 20, from 2-3.30pm at Corran Halls, Oban. A series of evening events, all running from 7.30-9pm, will then start.
The events are: February 24 at Skye Camanachd, Portree; February 25 at the Thistle Hotel, Inverness; February 26 at the Albert Hotel, Kirkwall; March 3 at Thainstone Mart; March 5 at National Park Headquarters in Loch Lomond; March 10 at the Shetland Hotel in Lerwick and March 12 at the Dark Island Hotel in Benbecula.