Farmers affected by severe flooding in parts of Scotland this autumn will be eligible to apply for grants of up to £30,000 to help repair man-made flood banks.
The £1.8 million scheme will be open for applications next month and will be administered by the Scottish government.
Farmers in local authority areas worst affected by recent flooding will be eligible to apply. These are Moray, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeenshire, City of Aberdeen, Angus and Fife.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon announced the funding at AgriScot at the Royal Highland Centre yesterday (Wednesday, November 22).
“I’ve seen first-hand the devastating impacts that flooding had on our rural communities from storm events last month,” she said.
“Those same communities continue to deal with the after-effects to this day.
“Repairing damaged flood banks is a crucial step to safeguarding rural communities and land from any future extreme weather events.
“That is why we are providing £1.8 million in support to help ease the financial burden on farmers affected by floods.”
Scottish farmers
The Scottish government also announced that it will provide over £500,000 in funding to help women and young people develop new agricultural skills and pursue careers in the farming sector.
The Next Generation and Women in Agriculture Practical Training Funds will provide successful applicants with £500 each to help pay for practical training courses relevant to farming and crofting.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Supporting the next generation of farmers is imperative if we want our agriculture sector to continue to innovate and thrive.
“We are committed to helping women and young people stay in rural communities by equipping them with the necessary skills to pursue careers in farming and crofting.
“This funding encourage women and girls to learn additional practical skills to progress their businesses and careers, which in turn can open up new employment opportunities for them.”
The funds will be delivered by Lantra Scotland and can be used on courses providing farming-related skills.
£400,000 is available from the Next Generation Practical Training Fund and £170,000 is available from the Women in Agriculture Practical Training Fund.
