WIREDGOV

Book your place at the Scottish Rural Development programme (SRDP) roadshows

Farmers, crofters, woodland owners, land managers and rural communities across Scotland are invited to attend a series of events to find out more about the new Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP).

The SRDP roadshows will start in Dumfries on 16th February 2015 and will travel to 11 more locations across the country before ending in Benbecula on 12th March 2015.

The events, hosted by the Scottish Government, will cover the 15 SRDP schemes or initiatives and concentrate on the six land-based and capital schemes. Each event will consist of a presentation and a Q&A session to help customers understand the parts we propose to change and get the information they need about the SRDP.

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment said: 

“Scotland’s rural development programme provides crucial support for Scottish farming, food production, rural communities and the environment, and is worth over £1.35 billion over the next six years.

“Although the SRDP is still subject to final European approval, we have already begun accepting applications for various schemes so that the Scottish Government is ready to pay out at the earliest opportunity once the programme is approved.

“These roadshows are an opportunity for local farmers, crofters, woodland owners, land managers and rural communities to find out about the new Scottish Rural Development Programme and the support on offer. 

“My officials will be on hand to answer any questions about the schemes and initiatives, and I would encourage as many people as possible to attend."

Last month, the Scottish Government launched a new online Rural Payments and Services system to help make easier to apply for funding. The new system has been introduced in response to changes to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and replaces Rural Payments Online. 

Everyone must register on the new Rural Payments and Services system before any payments can be processed. If you’ve not registered, please do it online at https://www.ruralpayments.org or contact your agent or Rural Payments and Inspections (RPID) area office. 

For more information please contact Mhairi De Luca or Sarah Mooney on 0131 557 5252 orMhairi.Deluca@bigpartnership.co.uk / Sarah.Mooney@bigpartnership.co.uk

Notes To Editors

The dates and locations of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) roadshow events are:

16 February 7.30pm – 9pm, Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries

17 February 7.30pm – 9pm, Carfraemill Hotel, Carfraemill

19 February 7.30pm – 9pm, The Western House Hotel, Ayr

20 February 2pm – 3.30pm, Corran Halls, Oban

24 February 7.30pm – 9pm, Skye Camanachd, Portree

25 February 7.30pm – 9pm, Thistle Hotel, Inverness

26 February 7.30pm – 9pm, The Albert Hotel, Kirkwall

2 March 7.30pm – 9pm, Dewar’s Centre, Perth

3 March 7.30pm – 9pm, Exchange at Thainstone Mart, Inverurie

5 March 7.30pm – 9pm, National Park Headquarters, Loch Lomond

10 March 7.30pm – 9pm, Shetland Hotel, Lerwick

12 March 7.30pm – 9pm, Dark Island Hotel, Benbecula