Farmers demand action over late EU subsidies despite Sturgeon’s apology

Nicola Sturgeon, speaking at the Royal Highland Show, said her Government was not complacent on the issue.

to complete the paperwork. Last year the European Commission fined the Government £5m for missed payments caused by the bungled introduction of a new computer system.

Earlier this year, Ms Sturgeon apologised and said she wanted to avoid a repeat.

However, with another missed deadline almost certain, she told an audience of industry representatives: “I want to assure you today... there's no complacency on the Scottish Government's part about this matter.

“We have already apologised and we do so again today to farmers for the failures that have been

experienced in the system and I guarantee that we will continue to give this matter our full focus and attention to ensure that farmers get the service they deserve.”

Ms Sturgeon said there was a “100 per cent focus” on processing payments, with £249m already paid, and a loan system ready as a contingency measure.

Mr McCormick also said farmers “deserve transparency and clarity” from SNP ministers and claimed the pay failure puts Scotland's rural economy “in jeopardy”. He said: “Some payments have been outstanding 18 months. That is wholly unacceptable.”