Crofting

When the Covid-19 crisis hit last March, our weekly food shop hit a roadblock. With supermarkets struggling to keep up with customer demand, we took a local detour.

Taking the scenic route forced us to slow down, appreciate what’s on our doorstep and take time to discover the farm shops, markets, makers and producers right under our noses.

An initiative to help drive projects that celebrate locally sourced and produced food and drink has reopened for applications.

Scene & Herd created the OnFARM podcast because they wanted to share a positive and accurate picture of rural life in Scotland. Over the last year, they have told numerous stories about how businesses have thrived, how individuals have triumphed over adversity, how rural Scotland showcases both talent and tenacity and how science and farming are working together to solve serious challenges.

Bird keepers in Scotland are reminded to maximise biosecurity and keep their flocks housed after avian influenza (H5N1) was confirmed in a flock of approximately 14,000 mixed gamebirds on a gamebird rearing premises in Leven, Glenrothes.

Laboratory results of samples taken from the flock have identified the strain as highly pathogenic in poultry. In order to limit the further spread of disease, appropriate restrictions have been imposed on the premises.

Mob Grazing Q&A: Outwintering to reduce inputs

Join Soil Association Scotland to hear from farmers who are outwintering livestock in Scotland on how they do it and why, including saving on housing and machinery costs and improving soil. Hear from:

  • Andrew and Robert Brewster of Easter Denoon Farm, Angus, on bale grazing methods, breeding and infrastructure

Access to Crofts

SCF is holding an online session looking for solutions to the barriers around access to crofts on Wednesday 17th February 7.00-9.00pm.

Difficulties in accessing crofts was highlighted as a major issue at the Young Crofters’ Gathering last year and needs the input of all those with an interest in crofting; young, old, newcomer and experienced.

SAOS Conference 2021 "SAOS's A-Z for a Bright Future"

SAOS are embracing embracing technology and running their 2021 Conference event online, which gives a great opportunity to reach out to more of you than ever, and share their work and ideas. If you’ve not made it along in person to their conference before, now is the perfect time, there's no travel required and your ticket is free!

Mob Grazing Q&A

Is it possible to successfully mob graze in very wet areas of Scotland, like the west coast, or in the uplands? Hear from farmers and crofters who are making outwintering work and ask your questions at this Q&A chaired by agricultural consultant and farmer Emily Grant.

Hear from:

Agroforestry

Wondering what trees could do for your croft? Join the Soil Association for an online discussion with two crofters – new entrant Phil Knott, of Wildlife Croft on Skye, and Mike Hyatt, of Baleveolan Croft, Isle of Lismore – about their experience of crofting with trees. Ask your questions and hear about:

Crofters in some of Scotland’s most remote and marginal communities will benefit from grants to improve their housing or build new homes.

The Croft House Grant scheme aims to retain and attract people to rural communities while allowing them to achieve the full potential of crofts and generate economic activity.

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