TENANT farmers already going through the waygo amnesty process have urged fellow tenant farmers to urgently engage in the process – or risk missing out on its benefits.

The three-year amnesty, which started in June 2017, allows landlords and tenants to rectify any outstanding issues around notification of tenants’ improvements which should qualify for compensation when the tenancy comes to an end – a process known as waygo. But that amnesty window is now within a year of closing.

Last week, in partnership with Davidson and Robertson Rural, NFU Scotland ran a workshop on waygo for its members at Carloonan Farm, Inveraray, hosted by tenant farmer Brian Walker. The event provided practical examples of tenant’s improvements and fixtures alongside discussion about the nature of the improvement and if they are eligible for the amnesty.

Host farmer Mr Walker of Carloonan Farm said: “The tenants' amnesty on waygo has proved to be a fairly straightforward process to start, by putting together a list of improvements that have been made to the farm and recording them. Tenant farmers have always felt that they have not had enough support in the past. So here is a great opportunity to show that, when help is offered, that everyone will make the most of it. Otherwise, it may not be offered again.

“Setting the record straight will not only help the tenant at waygo but make things easier for the landlord as well."

NFUS and D and R have launched a new free ‘waygo’ helpline for landlords and tenant farmers, on 0131 449 6212.