Scottish Government announces Farming Hardship Scheme

Scotland's Rural Affairs Secretary, Richard Lochhead, has announced the provision of a Farming Hardship scheme to assist farmers and crofters with accessing loans whilst awaiting their BPS 2015 payment. Whilst speaking at the National Farmers Union of Scotland annual conference last week, he confirmed that over 7,300 BPS 2015 claimants had been paid (out of a total of over 18,000 claims). Details of the Farming Hardship scheme are awaited. Please see the Rural Payments and Services website for further information.