The evaluation of a scheme to encourage new entrants into farming shows it has provided opportunities to run a farm business, gain experience and secure future tenancies.

To date, the Farming Opportunities for New Entrants (FONE) Group – which supported the governance of the Starter Farm Initiative – has facilitated entry to more than 80 new entrants by providing 122 land opportunities across more than 7000 ha of land.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon met members of the FONE Group and new entrants who are farming on the Mount Stuart Estate, on the Isle of Bute, to hear about their move into the agriculture sector.

She said: “The enthusiasm and forward-thinking of the new entrants on the island have contributed massively to the success of the limited-duration tenancies in place at Mount Stuart. The future of agriculture and the rural economy is rooted in the need for the next generation to drive innovation and best practice, improve efficiency and contribute to the economic vitality of the sector.

“It’s vital that the voices of new entrants are heard and I am determined to create further employment opportunities in land-based sectors to promote rural development and sustainable communities.

Between 2012 and 2015, the Scottish Government – in collaboration with Forestry and Land Scotland – created 10 starter farm units on publicly owned land to attract and develop new talent into the industry.

Formed in 2016, the Farming Opportunities for New Entrants (FONE) Group, supported the governance of the Starter Farm Initiative and separately built on the concept to identify smaller areas of publicly owned land that could be offered on longer term leases.