ScotGov Rural

The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) will be unavailable between Thursday 18 June and Monday 22 June due to an essential system update.

Normal service will resume on Tuesday 23 June.

The AECS 2026 application window has been extended to midnight on Monday 29 June 2026.

Outcomes of the Agritourism Investment Scheme applications will begin to be issued this week.

Thank you for your patience while applications were assessed.

https://ow.ly/jeA250Z710s

We would like to invite islanders, community groups and stakeholders to join the next round of Island Conversations - a series of online sessions on Scotland’s new National Islands Plan.

Feedback from last year’s in-person and online sessions helped shape the new Plan, and these events are an opportunity to show how your views have made a difference.

Dates for the online sessions are as follows:

- 16 June – 12:00-13:00 | Book Now: https://tinyurl.com/5n7p6pj5

- 18 June - 19:00-20:00 | Book Now: https://tinyurl.com/4t9jbyxr

- 22 June – 14:00-15:00 | Book Now: https://tinyurl.com/yc7n9pzs

Scottish Islands Federation Scottish National Rural Network The Scottish Government ScotGov Rural Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar The Highland Council North Ayrshire Council Orkney Islands Council Shetland Islands Council Highlands and Islands Enterprise

The June Agricultural Census 2026 is now open for submissions. This is your opportunity to provide accurate and up-to-date information on agriculture in Scotland. Find out more and submit online ➡️https://www.ruralpayments.org/news-events/agricultural-census-2026.html

Farmers, crofters and agricultural businesses have until 9 June to submit a late Single Application Form.

For assistance with your application, contact your local area office ➡️ https://bit.ly/3MBAY6t

Bluetongue movement restrictions have now changed. If moving animals from another part of the UK to Scotland, check the updated guidance at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/bluetongue/pages/movement-restrictions-from-1-june-2026/

New Bluetongue movement restrictions will come into force on 1 June. Check the Guidance: https://www.gov.scot/publications/bluetongue/pages/movement-restrictions-from-1-june-2026/

Businesses have until 1 June to amend their Single Application Form without a payment reduction.

To make your adjustments please write to your local area office before midnight by the deadline. ➡️ https://bit.ly/3MBAY6t

Up to 60% of a flock can be infected by sheep scab before any clinical signs are seen. If you suspect your flock has scab, you must report it to the Animal and Plant Health Agency and seek advice from your vet on controls.

Find out more: https://www.gov.scot/publications/sheep-scab/

Detector dogs are protecting Scotland’s rural economy and preventing the entry of diseases such as African swine fever.

Know the rules on what food you can legally bring into the country. https://www.gov.uk/bringing-food-into-great-britain/meat-dairy-fish-animal-products