Days after the Scottish Government said it was battling to retain maximum Less Favoured Area Support for 2020, it has been confirmed rates will be slashed by 60% of its current value.

This was described as “completely unacceptable” by NFU Scotland and “disastrous” by Conservative MP Colin Clark.

The decision is due to the EU demand that member states wind down historic upland schemes as it encourages the introduction of an Areas of Natural Constraint support scheme.

Despite the cut being less than originally feared, it still means the average payment of £5,000 will drop to £2,000, at a time of increased costs in upland and hill farming.

Conservative MP Colin Clark, who sits on the Agriculture Bill committee at Westminster, has described the SNP’s intent as a major let-down for livestock farmers.

“The SNP has had four years to plan its own alternative to LFASS, but has sat on its hands while farmers remained in the dark,” said the Northeast MP.

“It is my concern the SNP spent the £65m LFASS budget to shore up its failing projects elsewhere, leaving farmers high and dry.”

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing highlighted that Scotland

remains the only part of the UK to retain an upland scheme like LFASS.

“LFASS is crucial for our hill farmers and crofters operating in some of our most remote and marginalised areas,” said Ewing.

“That is why I am pleased to confirm they will continue to receive payments at 80% and 40% into 2020.

“I fully accept that this is not ideal, but under changes to EU regulations there is no option but to revise payment rates down.”

Jonnie Hall, NFU Scotland’s director of policy commented: “While the comments from Scottish Government come as no surprise, any shortfall in LFA support remains completely unacceptable to NFU Scotland

“We believe there are both practical and legal ways forward to resolve the LFASS shortfalls for 2019 and 2020.

"The issue now is whether Scottish Government is willing to run with such approaches and to fully restore the £65m LFASS budget, which is more critical than ever.

“The Union’s position is that the LFASS payments are absolutely vital and any cut in them must be avoided at all costs. This is a message we continue to take to our political representatives.”