Scottish Government Penalties on Shetland Agriculture Set to Have Major Impact on Industry

The Scottish Government are penalising Shetland crofters and farmers over the land they use to claim agricultural support payments. Local crofting and farming bodies and individual crofters have been in touch with Shetland MSP Tavish Scott who hopes to raise this with the Agriculture Minister this week. The penalties are being levied on producers who the Scottish Government say have over claimed for the area of land that is crofted and farmed. Tavish Scott is asking local people affected to get in touch.

Tavish Scott said, “Under these rules many local crofters and farmers feel that they are guilty until proven innocent. I am very worried that for some, the penalties being levied could drive a crofter or farmer out of business. I know of one farmer who could face Government penalties running into tens of thousands of pounds. I’ve spoken to the President of NFU Scotland who recognises how serious this is for Shetland and will help which is very welcome. I would encourage local crofters and farmers to get in touch with me and their unions so that we can pursue this with the Government on their behalf.

“I have been in touch with the Agriculture Minister’s office today and hope to meet him later this week as the situation is very serious indeed for many Shetlanders. In the meantime it is essential that all crofters and farmers in this position appeal any potential penalty they face. The impact of the Government’s actions here could be very serious on the Shetland agricultural industry.”