The Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme (SUSSS) is now open for applications until 30 November. Farmers and crofters are invited to submit claims for the breeding ewe lambs they are retaining in the flock, until the retention period in April finishes.

This scheme is designed to give additional support, on top of the Basic Payment Scheme, to sheep producers who farm in Scotland’s rough grazing areas.

The Government believes the payments are needed because farmers maintain the social and environmental benefits that sheep flocks bring to certain areas.

All businesses which have claimed under the scheme in the previous two years will soon receive a postcard, highlighting the scheme application opening date and reminding them that further information can be found online.

Many of the breaches which have incurred penalties in the past have either been from lapses in bookkeeping or not using the appropriate tags

This year, 1,118 upland sheep farmers will benefit from payments worth around £7m. The rate is £68/animal this year – up £5/head on the previous payment.

“SUSSS is a vital source of support for a number of hill sheep farmers and it is important that they do not miss out on some of that money because of easily avoidable mistakes,” said NFU Scotland LFA chair Robert Macdonald.

“Many of the breaches which have incurred penalties in the past have either been from lapses in bookkeeping or not using the appropriate tags.

"It is important that those applying take their time and make sure they are not in danger of being penalised and losing a percentage of their payment.

“This support is not only important for farmers and crofters producing a fantastic product from some of the toughest farmland, but also to the local communities, which see a huge amount of reinvestment from these businesses.”