ScotGov Rural

Rural Payment and Services will undergo essential maintenance from 5pm on Monday, 26 October until Friday 30 October, resulting in a temporary closure of the platform and several related services.

Read more at: https://www.ruralpayments.org/news-events/rural-payments-and-services--rp-s--website---essential-maintenance.html

Scottish smallholding & countryside festival 2026 – 17 October

Thinking about smallholding, growing your own, keeping livestock, learning more about local food production or simply finding out more about rural life?

The Scottish smallholding & countryside festival, supported by the Scottish Government is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people, discover practical ideas and learn more about making the most of your land. It’s also a chance for you to find out more about how local food is produced and the important role small holders and rural businesses play in Scotland’s countryside.

Whether you’re an experienced smallholder or just starting out, there’s something for everyone.

Bring your questions, share your experiences and discover what’s possible.

Find out more information and purchase your tickets here: https://festival.scot/

As part of the consultation on ‘proposed fisheries management measures in Scottish inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and proposed Priority Marine Features (PMFs), the Scottish Government will be holding drop-in sessions next week in Oban and Barra.

• 13 October – St Magnus Centre, Orkney
• 14 October – East Caithness Community Facility, Wick

Drop-in sessions are from 2-5pm and 6-9pm. Everyone is welcome. This is an open door event, no need to book.

At these sessions we can help:

• Provide information about the consultation,
• Explain the proposals,
• Answer questions and
• Support individuals and organisation in navigating the consultation platform to sub their consultation responses.

Venue details and more information https://blogs.gov.scot/marine-scotland/2026/09/14/consultation-on-proposed-fisheries-management-measures-in-scottish-inshore-marine-protected-areas-mpas-and-proposed-priority-marine-features-pmf-management-areas/

As part of the consultation on ‘proposed fisheries management measures in Scottish inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and proposed Priority Marine Features (PMFs), the Scottish Government will be holding drop-in sessions this week in Barra.

• 08 October – Castlebay Community Hall, Barra.

Drop in sessions are from 2-5pm and 6-9pm. Everyone is welcome. This is an open door event, no need to book.
At these sessions we can help:

• Provide information about the consultation,
• Explain the proposals,
• Answer questions and
• Support individuals and organisation in navigating the consultation platform to sub their consultation responses.

Venue details and more information https://ow.ly/r4fc50ZVRr2

Walking and Talking trees with Matt Griffin

Peebles - Wednesday 14 October, 1pm to 4pm

Join us for a walk at Edston Farm. Discover how trees can help to build a more resilient livestock system through shelter, woodland grazing, browse and more.

Book your free place: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/integratingtreesnetwork

We want your views on how we can best help farmers and crofters to develop their skills and knowledge.

Have your say by responding to our consultation on Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

The deadline for responses is 14 December 2026.

Find out more and respond to the consultation: https://www.ruralpayments.org/news-events/have-your-say-on-continuing-professional-development--cpd--proposals.html

🌳Event | Walking and Talking Trees 🌳

Reidchalmai Croft, Rogart, Sutherland - Tuesday 20 October, 10am to 1pm

Discover how Fran Lockhart and Mark Foxwell are using woodland grazing and woodland creation to support a resilient crofting business.

Book your free place: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/integratingtreesnetwork

Do you get support through Greening?

If so, you need to know about changes to Ecological Focus Areas.

In 2027, the requirement is increasing – from 5% to 7%.

Read the guidance to make sure you are ready: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/basic-payment-scheme/basic-payment-scheme-full-guidance/greening---bps/greening-guidance/