Blog A year has passed since the last NFUS Conference and AGM, where we welcomed the First Minister’s announcement on using Ultra High Frequency (UHF) in the implementation of Bovine EID, with the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands confirming this will be introduced by the end of 2026.
04/02/2026
Blog Defra are seeking views on reforming the legislation on lamb castration and tail docking, the proposals seek to ensure that, where castration and tail docking is carried out, pain caused to the animals by these procedures is appropriately minimised. They also seek to align the devolved nations and ensure that a consistent approach is adopted across the UK.
27/01/2026
Blog NFU Scotland fully supports the Scottish Government’s position that there should be no reintroduction of lynx or other large carnivores in Scotland.
23/01/2026
Blog Since the Scottish Government set out its Budget and spending plans on 13 January, I’ve read them with two clear questions in mind.
22/01/2026
Blog I’m sure that NFUS members will be aware of the Future Farming Investment Scheme, commonly known as FFIS. Last year saw the inaugural round of capital funding and whilst it was initially welcomed, when the results received a mixed response. There were always going to be winners and losers when £70 million was applied for and there was £20 million available. It is important that we acknowledge and understand the frustrations voiced. If you are reading this as an unsuccessful applicant, you can contact your local Scottish Government office to understand your result.
16/01/2026
Blog As we approach the Scottish Government’s Budget on Tuesday, it is impossible to ignore the context in which it will be delivered. Public finances are under unprecedented pressure. Ministers face difficult choices, with competing demands from health, education, social security, housing and local government all vying for limited resources.
12/01/2026
Blog I’m in no doubt that 2026 will be a pivotal year for Scottish agriculture – both in terms of challenges and opportunities. The coming year will not be defined by a single policy decision or market movement, but by the cumulative impact of policy choices and political change - and by the direction we now take.
09/01/2026
Blog We welcome the early, prompt payment of funds under the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) which started at the end of last week. For many farming and crofters, this support will deliver much-needed cash flow and financial certainty - especially in the face of increased costs and challenging conditions.
08/12/2025
Blog It was great to head out to Brussels this week with Vice President, Duncan Macalister, as part of our regular work in Europe. It is always excellent to get the four UK farming unions into the same space for discussion on what is impacting our collective members.
21/11/2025
Blog Ahead of the annual Scottish Dairy Hub/Kite Consulting seminar at AgriScot this Wednesday (19 November) at 1.00pm, dairy analyst and journalist Chris Walkland, who will open the seminar, outlines the rollercoaster ride that the sector is now on, and looks to the negatives and positives as we head into a challenging spring.
17/11/2025