Under the national Less Favoured Areas Support Loan Scheme (LFASS) 2019, eligible farmers and crofters will be offered up to 95% of their Common Agricultural Policy LFASS payment from January.

A similar scheme in 2018 delivered payments worth more than £52 million to more than 8,400 hill farmers and crofters.

Fergus Ewing, rural economy secretary, said: “I have continually said that we should support those who need support the most. Even though we are on track to make LFASS payments this Spring, I want to make sure those farming on marginal land can go into the New Year with as much financial security as possible.

“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 if we have to leave the EU and lose tariff and barrier-free access to trade. This offer to around 10,000 farmers and crofters will therefore offer a degree of clarity and certainty.

“As with the recent National Basic Payment Support Scheme, which has invested more than £340m into the rural economy since October, it is important for farmers and crofters to understand that no one would have to return this payment in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit. This is their money and they are entitled to it.

“With Scotland closer to being removed from the EU against our wishes than ever before, I would encourage any eligible hill farmer or crofter to return their loan acceptance as soon as possible to enable us to get your payment out as quickly as possible.”