Advice and Support
Farm Advisory Service
- Telephone: 0300 323 0161
- Email: advice@fas.scot
- Website: www.fas.scot/
- Twitter: @FASScot
- Facebook: FASScot
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.
Village Halls and Community Hubs
Village halls and community hubs are often the heart of rural and island communities. They are places for people to gather, learn, access services and have fun. Making sure they are well run and maintained is an important but not always easy role, often fulfilled by committed volunteers and workers.
SRN have funded the development and publication of a handbook for everyone running a village or community hall in Scotland or considering the development of a new facility - the 'Village and Community Halls Handbook'.
Produced by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and Community Ownership Support Service (COSS) from Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS), with support from SRN, the publication will guide community organisations through what they need to know to manage and run a sustainable village hall or community space.
Visit and explore the Village and Community Halls Handbook.
Building Community Group Capacity
Case studies can be useful for showcasing the activities, challenges and lessons learned from a particular initiative - sharing the story behind the numbers, and providing real, relatable examples.
They can be a very effective way of communicating the impact of a particular project, in a way which is practical, authentic and meaningful and are therefore important evidence when it comes to the evaluation of projects and to applying for funding streams.
To support community groups produce effective case studies, our guide for community groups, ‘Telling your story through case studies’ is an inaluable tool.
This guide is for grassroots community groups including Local Action Groups (LAG), development trusts, community councils and others who are delivering projects in their local area, and who want to create a case study to help tell the story of their work.
Access the guide here
Rural Innovation Support Service
- Email Analy Hannah: ahannah@soilassociation.org
- Telephone: 0131 666 2474
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.