Crofting Matters

Nov 01 2024 18 ep. 33 mins 34

Crofting Matters Podcast artwork

More than 750, 000 hectares of land in Scotland is in crofting tenure. In this Crofting Matters series, hosted by Siobhan Macdonald, we will explore all aspects of crofting. Covering seasonal and topical issues, crofting agriculture, regulation, wildlife, support and other associated businesses. Producer Ashleigh Forster, Editor Ross Mackenzie , Executive Producer Kerry Hammond. In association with The Scottish Government. Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service is funded by the Scottish Government. Our podcast covers a range of topics which help support your farm or croft to be more profitable and sustainable.

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Matchmaking New and Retiring Crofters (Updated)

Nov 01 2024 38 mins

Many aspire to having and working a croft, however crofts are difficult to obtain, at least in the more productive and scenic areas. At the same time, retiring crofters sometimes find it hard to give up their business, their source of income and home. The Scottish Land Matching Service is designed to help aspiring new producers, whether crofters or farmers, with advice,

Subsidy and Support Changes for Crofting

Sep 25 2024 39 mins

Support is changing, and although not all details are clear, crofters claiming subsidy need to have specific items and plans in place by next spring. Listen in to hear the essential information you need for next year’s Basic Payment Scheme claim. We simplify one aspect of the new system, which is called the Whole Farm Plan. The WFP is actually made up

Livestock Disease Risks on Crofts

Aug 28 2024 47 mins

Disease risk in livestock, and biosecurity is something we perhaps don’t consider as much in crofting areas as farmers might in more intensive systems. Crofting tends to be more extensive, with lower densities of stock, but we often share bulls, and graze on common ground. In this episode I’m joined by Kythe MacKenzie, who is a vet with SRUC, and Kate Lamont, who is a researche

Routes to Crofting

Jul 31 2024 41 mins

This episode hears from 2 crofters with two different routes into crofting. In this episode we discuss how they gained their croft, what they found were barriers, and hints and tips for aspiring or new crofters. I’m delighted to be joined by Derek Dick, who is a relatively new crofter in Berneray, and Angus Ferguson, who is an experienced crofter in North Uist. Linked

Lessons from Ireland

Jun 28 2024 39 mins

In this episode we look at what we can learn from the Irish system, where farms are similar to our crofts. A group of crofters are just home from a study tour to Ireland, and we hear from Derek Jamieson who crofts in Unst, Shetland, what he took from this exchange of knowledge. We also hear from Keith Fahy, advisor with Teagasc, explaining the Irish subsidy system and improve

Crofting Commission Chief Executive

May 31 2024 40 mins

Gary Campbell is our guest this week. Gary is the new Chief Executive of the Crofting Commission, having just started his role in January this year. With a background working in both the public and private sectors he talks us through his previous roles, his own family crofting story, what he is planning to achieve in his new CE role and his vision for the Crofting Commission.

Common Grazing Finances: Common Issues

Oct 31 2023 39 mins

We are at Dornie hall, talking to clerks and committee members about the issues they face when trying to run the common grazing, especially when it comes to finances. Firstly, we talk with Finlay Beaton from the Crofting Commission, about the problems that they deal with and the solutions for clerks. Finlay also has the advantage of having worked with RPID, so also understand

Subsidy Future & Current Schemes

Sep 29 2023 31 mins

Don’t miss out on the current schemes which boost income and improve animal and soil health! We discuss the PSF scheme, the future of subsidy, recent changes to the Croft House Grant and what we should all do now to prepare for the 2025 change. We cover: What the term ‘conditionality’ means PSF Animal Health & Welfare EligibilityHow to carry out and how to

Succession

Aug 31 2023 50 mins

Crofting legislation is fairly complicated and its no different when it comes to succession! Brian Inkster, well-known crofting law specialist, takes us through different scenarios and highlights what to watch out for when it comes to passing on a croft. We cover: Terminology such as Executor, Testate and Intestate Wills and witness signatures Proced

Tax & VAT for Crofters

Jul 31 2023 43 mins

It might not sound that interesting, but, especially these days, understanding what you can and should be doing with accounts and tax is important to save unnecessary expense and keep within the law. Margi Campbell, an expert in tax and vat, gives some insight into what crofters can do to improve their finances. It’s a confusing topic, but in this podcast we chat about the differ