CAGS, short for the Crofting Agricultural Grant Scheme, might not be the catchiest name in the world. But for many crofters across Scotland, it can make a real difference. It helps people invest in the practical things they need to keep their crofts working well, from buildings and fencing to drainage, livestock handling facilities, and water or power supplies.
That support matters because crofting is not always easy. Many crofting businesses are small, often remote, and face the same rising costs as everyone else, sometimes with extra transport, weather and infrastructure challenges thrown in. Finding the money for big improvements can be difficult, even when those improvements would make every day work safer, easier and more productive.
That is where CAGS comes in. By helping with capital investment, the scheme gives crofters the confidence to get on with projects that might otherwise have to wait. A new shed, better fencing or improved handling facilities might sound simple, but they can make a huge difference to animal welfare, efficiency and the day-to-day running of a croft.
The impact does not stop at the croft gate either. When a crofter goes ahead with a CAGS-funded project, that often means work for local contractors, builders, fencing specialists, electricians, plant operators and suppliers. In rural areas, that kind of steady local work really counts. It helps keep skills in communities, supports small businesses and keeps money moving through the local economy.
There is a bigger picture too. Stronger, more resilient crofts help support livestock markets, agricultural merchants, vets, hauliers and all the other businesses connected to rural life. They also help keep land actively managed, which is important for food production, biodiversity and the landscapes that make Scotland’s crofting areas so distinctive.
With agriculture under pressure from rising costs, changing markets and growing expectations around sustainability and food security, schemes like CAGS are more important than ever. They give crofters a practical route to invest in their businesses now, while helping make sure crofting remains a viable livelihood for the next generation.
And timing really matters. A good grant scheme only works well if approvals and payments move at the right pace. Delays can leave crofters stuck, contractors waiting, and planned projects pushed further down the road. A clear, reliable process helps everyone plan properly, from the crofter lining up the work to the local business ordering materials and scheduling staff. In short, when CAGS works smoothly, the benefits are felt right across rural communities.
NFUS has been made aware of the current delays to funding being released, and understand how frustrating these delays are for crofters who are ready to get on with vital work. We are actively pressing Scottish Government for clarity and action so that CAGS funding can start reaching the people and rural businesses who need it.