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  • Scotland National Rural Network
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Tel: 0131 556 8400 or 08457 741741 (UK local rate) Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Rural Issues in Scotland

Rural Scotland, covering 95 per cent of the land area and 18 per cent of the population, is an integral part of the country's economy, environment and culture. The Scottish Government's aim is to promote development in rural areas and empower communities.

The Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) is a programme of economic, environmental and social measures, worth some £1.5 billion, designed to develop rural Scotland over the next few years, to 2013.

In Focus

Crofting reform

CroftingThe modernisation of Scotland's vital crofting sector has taken an 'important step forward' with the second phase of the Act's commencement.

As part of the implementation of the Crofting Reform Act 2010, the order laid in parliament will bring into force sections that will:

  • Transform the Crofters Commission into the Crofting Commission with a new constitution and powers commencing on 1 April 2012
  • Place duties on tenant and owner-occupied crofters to occupy and work their crofts, to be enforced by the Commission, from 1 October 2011.
  • Protect croft land by allowing the Land Court and the Commission to take into account a wider range of factors when deciding on resumption and de-crofting applications
  • Provide greater flexibility for the succession of crofts by allowing a croft to be bequeathed to two or more people

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Potential Security Risk


The Scottish Government’s Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID) has been warned about a potential security risk. Some customers have been contacted by a potential fraudster claiming to work for RPID and, in one case, asking for bank details. We would urge farmers to remain extra vigilant during this time and remember that:

- RPID staff would not ask for customers’ bank details over the phone or by email.

- RPID would not change a customer’s bank details through a phone or email request. A robust process is in place to verify such customer requests.

- Customers should consider informing the police and/or their bank of any suspicious phone calls.

- If you have any concerns about a callers’ identify, please contact your local area office for confirmation.


 

 


 

 

 

Page updated: Tuesday, May 22, 2012