Advice and Support

sheep in field with trees and white sky

RISS logoRural Innovation Support Service

The Rural Innovation Support Service (RISS) helps farmers, foresters and crofters find practical, sustainable solutions to everyday challenges affecting their business.

If your idea is practical and sustainable RISS, part of the Scottish Rural Network and led by Soil Association Scotland, will provide you with a facilitator from across their partner organisations.

Visit our RISS page for more information.

Farm Advisory Service logoFarm Advisory Service

Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS) helps farmers and crofters to access the latest information and resources to increase profitability and sustainability through the following services. Part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP), it is funded by the European Union and Scottish Government.

Advice facility

This dedicated advice service by telephone 0300 323 0161 or email advice@fas.scot signposts farmers and crofters to information and guidance on cross compliance, water framework directive, climate change, greening and other matters relating to sustainable land management.

One-to-one support

Providing financial support for:

Events and publications

A full programme of events including workshops, network farm meetings, conferences and training courses are delivered across Scotland.

The FAS website also has a wide range of publications including the online SAC Farm Management Handbook, FAS newsletters, Agri-Business News, guidelines and information notes in an easy-to-find library of resources and information.

Croft and Small Farm Subscriptions

The Croft and Small Farm Advisory Service provides discounted subscription and consultancy services for crofters and small farming businesses (under 30 Ha) across Scotland. This service ensures that no matter the scale of your enterprise or its location the Farm Advisory Service can provide the support you need.

Advice for third sector organisations

If you are a third sector organisation or community group looking for advice and guidance you can contact your local Third Sector Interface (TSI). Each local authority area in Scotland has a TSI to support, promote, develop and represent the third sector. You can find out more, and search for your local TSI at the TSI Scotland Network website here

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) runs an information service for the third sector. You can call 0800 169 0022 or email enquiries@scvo.org.uk.