Minister announces £60m funding for land management projects

NEARLY £60 million of funding from the Agrienvironment and Climate Scheme (AECS) is to be made available across rural Scotland over the next five years.

Making the announcement Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “This funding will help almost 1,000 projects in their work to enhance our magnificent natural heritage, improve water quality, manage flood risk and tackle climate change – playing a significant part in our efforts to protect our land, habitats, species, air and rivers.

“Everyone has a part to play in helping to achieve our ambitious climate change targets and it’s great to see so many farming businesses seeking to do their bit, benefiting their local environment and potentially boosting productivity and profitability.”

NFU Scotland chief executive Scott Walker commented: “The announcement that 2016 AECS awards are being made will be good news for almost 1,000 farmers and crofters as we head into the new year.

“It is a hugely important scheme to successful applicants as it allows them to build on and enhance the excellent work that they do every day to protect and manage the environment and Scottish countryside.

“The scheme is competitive and regrettably some applicants will have been unsuccessful in getting their projects supported.

“The next round of AECS applications will open in the new year, and we expect clarification on the 2017 timetable to emerge in the coming weeks.”