Payments totalling £292 million have now been made to more than to 12,324 farmers and crofters under the Scottish government’s BPS loan scheme. Further payments are being processed this week.

Loan offers have now been made to nearly 17,500 eligible farmer and crofters.

With over 70% accepting the Scottish Governments offer of a loan.

Anyone that still wishes to avail of the offer, worth 90% of the farm’s entitlements, can still do so by contacting their local RPID office.

However, police have warned that publicity about the distribution of the loans puts farms at greater risk of scams.

“Fraudsters are well equipped to trick you into giving up personal information or to make payments that you think are going to a trusted company,” Police Scotland said in a statement this week.

“They will use several ways to convince you that you are dealing with a known company, such as your bank or other trusted brand.

“The contact message or request for information can come through a website, online service, phone call or text message, posing as a company or brand you recognise.”