The Scottish Government has been accused of neglecting dyslexic farmers and crofters.
Sandy McCreath, who runs a sheep farm on the outskirts of Wigtown in Dumfries and Galloway, says the government’s Rural Payments and Services system does not take into account the needs of people with dyslexia.
Mr McCreath, who is dyslexic himself, says he raised the issue five years ago but it has only become worse.
“It’s costing me more money to do my IACS because of the computer programme – I have got to get someone else to do it,” said Mr McCreath.
“It’s a ludicrous system and because I’m dyslexic, I’m left with less access. I should be able to do most tasks but here I’m admitting that’s it’s beyond me and the average farmer.”
Mr McCreath, who has been involved with NFU Scotland’s Farming with Dyslexia campaign, says he believes the government’s subsidy system is not compliant with the Equality Act 2010.
He says although government has said it is working towards improving the system, it has acted unlawfully because all government systems and guidance should have been dyslexic-friendly for the past five years.
He is now considering legal action on the issue.
Responding to the allegations, a Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We want to make the Rural Payments Service and website accessible to all and are working towards meeting AA compliance – the recognised accessibility standard.
“This will enable improved access to our online services for those who use assistive technologies such as screen readers and will build on our existing processes, through which we already advise users how to adjust their settings, and signpost to details of other online resources where they can access a range of assistive technologies.”
She said government planned to provide dyslexia awareness training for all the Rural Payments and Inspections staff next year, and it was working with Dyslexia Scotland and NFU Scotland to improve its written documents and publications.
“We have also enhanced the customer support available in our local area offices. Our customers can schedule an appointment with a member of our staff and receive one-to-one help with using our online services,” added the spokeswoman.