ScotGov Rural

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ScotGov Rural For further information and guidance on all of our payment schemes, visit ruralpayments.org or contact your local area office.

ScotGov Rural is an official Scottish Government account with news and information on agriculture, animal health and welfare, the food industry, rural areas, and Islands.

Scottish smallholding & countryside festival 2026 – 17 OctoberThinking about smallholding, growing your own, keeping liv...
09/10/2026

Scottish smallholding & countryside festival 2026 – 17 October

Thinking about smallholding, growing your own, keeping livestock, learning more about local food production or simply finding out more about rural life?

The Scottish smallholding & countryside festival, supported by the Scottish Government is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people, discover practical ideas and learn more about making the most of your land. It’s also a chance for you to find out more about how local food is produced and the important role small holders and rural businesses play in Scotland’s countryside.

Whether you’re an experienced smallholder or just starting out, there’s something for everyone.

Bring your questions, share your experiences and discover what’s possible.

Find out more information and purchase your tickets here: https://festival.scot/

As part of the consultation on ‘proposed fisheries management measures in Scottish inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)...
09/10/2026

As part of the consultation on ‘proposed fisheries management measures in Scottish inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and proposed Priority Marine Features (PMFs), the Scottish Government will be holding drop-in sessions next week in Oban and Barra.

• 13 October – St Magnus Centre, Orkney
• 14 October – East Caithness Community Facility, Wick

Drop-in sessions are from 2-5pm and 6-9pm. Everyone is welcome. This is an open door event, no need to book.

At these sessions we can help:

• Provide information about the consultation,
• Explain the proposals,
• Answer questions and
• Support individuals and organisation in navigating the consultation platform to sub their consultation responses.

Venue details and more information https://blogs.gov.scot/marine-scotland/2026/09/14/consultation-on-proposed-fisheries-management-measures-in-scottish-inshore-marine-protected-areas-mpas-and-proposed-priority-marine-features-pmf-management-areas/

09/10/2026

The 2026 Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme (SUSSS) application window closes on 30 November.

If you intend to move claimed hoggs to a location not given on your claim form, you must notify your area office of the additional retention location before you move them.

Full guidance: https://tinyurl.com/3rbfsn7x

As part of the consultation on ‘proposed fisheries management measures in Scottish inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)...
08/10/2026

As part of the consultation on ‘proposed fisheries management measures in Scottish inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and proposed Priority Marine Features (PMFs), the Scottish Government will be holding drop-in sessions this week in Barra.

• 08 October – Castlebay Community Hall, Barra.

Drop in sessions are from 2-5pm and 6-9pm. Everyone is welcome. This is an open door event, no need to book.
At these sessions we can help:

• Provide information about the consultation,
• Explain the proposals,
• Answer questions and
• Support individuals and organisation in navigating the consultation platform to sub their consultation responses.

Venue details and more information https://ow.ly/r4fc50ZVRr2

Walking and Talking trees with Matt Griffin Peebles - Wednesday 14 October, 1pm to 4pm Join us for a walk at Edston Farm...
08/10/2026

Walking and Talking trees with Matt Griffin

Peebles - Wednesday 14 October, 1pm to 4pm

Join us for a walk at Edston Farm. Discover how trees can help to build a more resilient livestock system through shelter, woodland grazing, browse and more.

Book your free place: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/integratingtreesnetwork

🌳Event | Walking and Talking Trees 🌳Reidchalmai Croft, Rogart, Sutherland - Tuesday 20 October, 10am to 1pmDiscover how ...
06/10/2026

🌳Event | Walking and Talking Trees 🌳

Reidchalmai Croft, Rogart, Sutherland - Tuesday 20 October, 10am to 1pm

Discover how Fran Lockhart and Mark Foxwell are using woodland grazing and woodland creation to support a resilient crofting business.

Book your free place: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/integratingtreesnetwork

06/10/2026

The new Scottish Bracken Map uses 2024 satellite and aerial images to identify about 208,000 hectares of bracken across Scotland.

A report on bracken presence and management in agricultural grassland contains the results of a survey of 97,000 hectares of Scottish agricultural grassland.

Bracken was present on 3,500 hectares and 322 hectares were treated, mainly using mechanical control methods.

Read the full report: https://www.gov.scot/publications/bracken-presence-management-practices-scottish-grassland-farms-2025/
View the map: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/613d2abdcd964aefbdcb7784e0f122df

Address

Saughton House, RPID Communications, C1 Spur, Broomhouse Drive
Edinburgh
EH113XD

Opening Hours

5pm - 7pm

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