Fergus Ewing MSP

Under the first tranche of the Less Favoured Area Support Loan Scheme payments, more than 7,500 eligible hill farmers and crofters will receive loans of up to 95% of their 2019 payment – more than the 90% offered last year.

With more than £38 million of loan payments now underway, a further 2,500 eligible hill farmers and crofters can still receive payment under this mechanism if they choose to accept their offer, as further payment runs continue in the coming weeks.

Fergus Ewing, rural economy secretary, said: “I have continually said that we should support those who need it the most. With the first tranche of Less Favoured Area Support Scheme loan payments investing more than £38m into some of our more remote and marginalised areas – and with more to follow - I believe we are doing just that.

“Our rural economy is on the front line of the potential impacts of Brexit, with remote and rural areas likely to be hit the hardest. With 75% of eligible hill farmers and crofters having accepted a loan offer, I am pleased that we are able to offer a degree of clarity and certainty through these payments.”