THE FINAL push is on to get farmers and landlords to sign an amnesty agreement.

Tenant Farming Commissioner Bob McIntosh is making the call ahead of the December 12 deadline, even if some disputed improvements may have to be part of a separate amnesty notice.

Mr McIntosh commented: “It is absolutely essential now that every effort is made to reach agreement. Site meetings are the best way to resolve any outstanding issues, and with careful planning, Covid restrictions will still allow these to take place. Where there is poor – or no – documentation to help determine whether the improvement is eligible to be considered for compensation at waygo, pragmatic compromises are preferable to a prolonged dispute which ends up in the Land Court. Especially in cases where the improvement is likely to have low value at waygo.

“I would therefore encourage all landlords and tenants to ensure that they have a signed agreement covering all the improvements where there is no dispute, leaving only those where there is disagreement to be the subject of a formal amnesty notice.

“Once an amnesty notice has been issued to a landlord by a tenant, the landlord has two months to respond. I hope that this time will be used productively to resolve any outstanding issues and that alternative methods of dispute resolution will be considered, such as expert determination, so that the dispute does not have to be settled by the Land Court.”

For more information about the amnesty, visit landcommission.gov.scot/tenant-farming or get in touch on 01463 423 300 or email tfc@landcommission.gov.scot.