The letting of fully equipped farms is becoming rarer as bare-land tenancies take over, according to the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV).

The findings are presented in CAAV’s sixth annual Scottish Land Occupation Survey, which details that agricultural tenancies are showing a distinct trend towards bare-land lettings.

Speaking at the Scottish Agricultural Arbiters and Valuers Association (SAAVA) AGM, which took place earlier this week, CAAV’s secretary and adviser, Jeremy Moody, said: “What we are seeing in 2017 is a very low level of activity.

“The 91 act sector is continuing to erode and we see the sheer predominance of bare-land lettings.”

Bare-land accounted for 78% of the individual lettings in Scotland last year, as well as making up 60% of the total area of land let.

Moody also warned farmers and businesses to think of Brexit as a process and not an event.

He added that farmers need to act now to prepare for some of the changes that come hand in hand with Brexit.

Also speaking at the SAAVA AGM was Bob McIntosh, Scotland’s Tenant Farming Commissioner, who said that surveys conducted by the commission show that relationships between landlords and tenants are generally good.

He said: “Most people regard these relationships as being very good, which is quite encouraging I think.”

Some of the most common issues that arise between landlords and tenants include maintenance and end-of-tenancy issues.

He added: “Time and time again, poor communication is at the heart of some the issues.

“There really should be a full discussion at the start so that both parties understand what is happening and so that their expectations are understood.”