£34m for rural areas

Rural projects across Scotland that tackle climate change and protect the environment will share £34 million in a new round of funding.

A total of 472 businesses will benefit from the latest AgriEnvironment Climate Scheme (AECS) awards. The initiative promotes environmentally friendly land management practices.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Rural Scotland holds one of the key assets we will need to tackle climate change and address biodiversity loss, our land, which is why I am clear that future agri-environment support will continue as we transition to a low-carbon future.”

The previous award of £39.5m in December 2018 went to 580 businesses.