Fergus Ewing

The financial package, announced by rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing on International Women’s Day, follows the recent announcement of a parallel fund for Women in the Rural Economy. It offers training in other rural sectors such as aquaculture, forestry, horticulture and wildlife management.

The latest six-figure package has been earmarked to develop the talents and upskill women in farming and crofting businesses as part of the Women in Agriculture Practical Training Fund.

Training courses already identified include certification in tractor and trailer driving, sheepdog training and education in the use of antibiotics in livestock.

Applications have also come from women seeking to innovate and diversify their agricultural business into new areas, such as livestock photography.

Mr Ewing said: “It’s fitting the new funding of £115,000 is announced on International Women’s Day as we seek to empower women living and working in Scottish agriculture with increased business skills, knowledge and confidence.

“These training funds have already proved enormously popular and we look forward to investing still further in future female successes. In supporting women in this way, we are increasing equality of opportunity and gender balance in Scottish agriculture and creating a more resilient agricultural industry.

“The benefits to the rural economy and way of life for women living and working in agriculture will be significant in terms of accessing increased training funding.”

Both funds are administered by Lantra Scotland and are open for applications now.