Introduction
This booklet provides information on the Farm Business Development Scheme ( FBDS) which is funded by the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department ( SEERAD) and which operates in Scotland within the ambit of the Rural Development Regulation ( RDR) EC 1257/1999. Domestic legislative powers are contained in the Scottish Statutory Instrument "The Farm Business Development (Scotland) Scheme 2001 (S.S.I. 2001/259)". This was subsequently amended by SSI 2004/236 on 4 July 2004 and by SSI 2005/219 on 1 June 2005. The FBDS area is defined as that part of Scotland outwith the area covered by the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme.
This booklet is correct at the time of printing. You should note that the information supplied in this booklet is not exhaustive and should only be taken as a guide to the FBDS. New eligible measures may be introduced or existing measures withdrawn during the lifetime of the Scheme. Over the duration of the Scheme amendments may be made to the Scheme rules and procedures.
It is very important that you read this booklet carefully before you commit yourself to any project. The FBDS is a discretionary, competitive and cash-limited scheme and applications will not be approved on a "first come first served basis". The submission of an application will not automatically entitle an applicant to financial assistance.
You must not start work or enter into contractual commitments without prior written approval from SEERAD. To do so may lead to the recovery of any grant paid, in part or in full.
In addition, the success of any application for FBDS assistance will be dependent upon such circumstances prevailing at the time of the application, such as constraints on financial resources. Staff in SEERAD Area offices can provide advice should you have queries.
It is the applicant's sole responsibility to complete the necessary paperwork and to check with the appropriate statutory authority before submission of an application.