ASSURANCES THAT there will be no further cuts to Less Favoured Area support in 2020 have been repeated to the Scottish Crofting Federation.

The SCF reported this week that rural economy cabinet secretary, Fergus Ewing, has said he is 'absolutely committed' to holding hill farming's 'lifeline' support scheme at the 80% level that takes effect this year.

“Less Favoured Area payments are vital for those of us in the Highlands and Islands who face natural constraints,” said SCF chair Russell Smith, “so the prospect of this support being cut to 80% in 2019 and then to only 40% in 2020 was unthinkable."

Following intense exchange with Scottish Government, SCF has now received an assurance that the scheme's budget will not drop below 80% of the 2018 rate and that those crofters on the minimum payment will stay the same. However, it noted that this year's 80% rate was still a real cut which could have been avoided if Scotland had transferred to the Areas of Natural Constraint scheme.

"We commend Scottish Government for having listened to our, and others’, representation and for giving this assurance," said Mr Smith. "It is not clear where the extra money will come from so we will continue to monitor the situation.

“We are pleased to note that the Scottish Government will be introducing a Scottish Agriculture Bill in Holyrood," he added. "This will enable support to continue up to 2024, should we leave the EU. Agriculture is devolved from Westminster so it is appropriate that it is a Scottish Agriculture Bill written for Scottish agriculture.

"The Bill must be fit for crofting, with improvements to the current support systems including a replacement to LFASS along the lines of the ANC, properly rewarding producers such as crofters who live in areas of most disadvantage. We will continue to work with Scottish Government to make sure crofters’ interests are well represented."