IMPORTANT changes to tenancy legislation – including the current Tenants’ Improvements Amnesty – are set to be the highlights of a series of events being held throughout the country by the Scottish Government’s Farm Advisory Service.

Agreed as part of the 2016 Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016, the amnesty allows for certain past improvements carried out by the tenant to be eligible for way-go (end of tenancy) compensation despite missing notices or consents. The amnesty opened on June 13 and will run for three years.

The aim of the FAS events is to raise awareness of the key changes brought about by the 2016 Act – including what is now in force and what is coming and the implications of both. This will include a discussion on the amnesty, informing those involved of its importance at way-go and during rent reviews, and providing information on which improvements are eligible for the amnesty.

The new tenant farming commissioner, Dr Bob McIntosh, will be attending a number of the events to help promote the amnesty and to outline his priorities for his new role.

The first event is being held at the Jurys Inn in Inverness on Tuesday, July 11 from 5.45pm.

Thereafter events are being held :

Wednesday, July 12 – Aberdeenshire: Thainstone Centre, Inverurie;

Tuesday, July 18 – Cupar: Lomondhills Hotel, Freuchie;

Wednesday, July 19 – Perth: Huntingtower Hotel, Perth;

Thursday, July 20 – St Boswells: Buccleuch Arms, The Green, St Boswells;

A further five events will be held in October at locations in Ayrshire, Dumfries, Stranraer, Bute and Islay.

The FAS events are free and open to all, but places must be booked by phone or email to the National FAS Hub on 0300 323 0161 or email: advice@fas.scot