The shambolic distribution of the new Basic Payments Scheme has angered young crofters as it appears only around 1% of crofters have received their first part payment from the Scottish Government.
“Winter is the worst time of year for delays to payments, with harsh weather and a poor crop this year meaning that many crofters will be struggling to feed stock.” said James Shewan, Chair of the Scottish Crofting Federation Young Crofters (SCFYC). “Tax returns were due in by the end of January, interest is being charged on non-payments of bills, there are charges on the necessary overdrafts from banks; Too many crofters are in financial hardship for this to continue.”
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, announced in December that payments to the majority of farmers and crofters would reach bank accounts by the end of December, with the bulk of the remaining funds sent out by the end of January.
