Delays to a key rural funding scheme have left businesses unable to begin planned work.
NFU Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to clarify when Crofting Agricultural Grant Scheme (CAGS) payments will be released, warning that negative impacts are already being felt.
CAGS supports crofters with funding for essential infrastructure, but uncertainty over payment timelines means many cannot authorise contractors to begin work, causing a ripple effect across rural supply chains.
Andrew Connon, president of NFUS, has written to the Scottish Government, emphasising the scheme’s importance and the need for reliable delivery.
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Mr Connon said: "CAGS is a vital scheme for many crofters across Scotland.
"These grants help businesses make essential improvements that can have a real impact on animal welfare, efficiency and the day-to-day running of a croft.
"However, a grant scheme only works effectively when decisions and payments happen at the right pace."
He warned that delayed approvals and payments risk disrupting carefully timed investment and development plans.
Mr Connon said: "Delays can leave crofters unable to progress projects, contractors unable to plan workloads, and investment pushed further down the line."
The impact of CAGS funding extends beyond individual crofters, supporting a network of rural businesses including builders, fencers, and equipment suppliers.
Archie Macnab, chair of the Crofters Committee, said: "CAGS is a vital source of support for crofters, helping to fund practical improvements that strengthen businesses, improve animal welfare and build resilience."
He stressed that the funding delays now threaten critical seasonal construction windows.
Mr Macnab said: "Without timely funding approvals, opportunities to complete work during this year's construction season are being lost, with some projects now at risk of being pushed back until next year.
"Crofters need certainty."
NFUS is urging the Scottish Government to publish a clear timetable for the release of CAGS funding to restore confidence and enable forward planning.
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