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Scottish Land Matching Service Reaches Enquiry Milestone

Service that identifies farming and crofting opportunities receives its 1000th enquiry

The Scottish Land Matching Service (SLMS) has received its 1000th enquiry.

Launched by Scottish Government in 2019, the independent, free-to-use service helps facilitate restructuring within the sector by matching those looking to gain a foothold in farming and crofting with existing businesses wishing to cut down their commitment or looking to leave.

SLMS, which operates across the whole of Scotland, is run by independent advisors, Ian Davidson OBE, and Allan Young. It is hosted by NFU Scotland from its Head Office. 

Set against the backdrop of agricultural tenancy debate as part of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, which is at Stage 1 of the parliamentary process, SLMS is providing an increasingly vital service in providing opportunities for new entrants while supporting those at the other end of their agricultural careers.

SLMS’ Ian Davidson said: “New entrants to farming and crofting continue to find it increasingly difficult to access land and capital. With the average age of farmers and crofters in Scotland continuing to rise that is not a healthy position for the long-term sustainability of the industry. 

“As we enter a period of change with challenges around future support arrangements, tackling climate change and increasing biodiversity high on the agenda, businesses should be taking stock and planning for the future. The service aims to allow parties to find the right arrangement for their situation and can include contract farming; joint ventures, share farming and tenancies. 
 
“A number of arrangements are now up and running and several more are in the pipeline. 

“And the fact that enquiries continue to increase shows how important the service will   continue to be.  SLMS encourages people to think ahead, particularly where they may be able to offer an opportunity for a joint venture with someone looking to progress and develop within the industry.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon was delighted with the engagement for SLMS. She said: “I’d like to thank everyone involved in supporting this vital service. Initial engagement is only the first step and we need to do all we can to turn these enquiries into tangible action for farmers and crofters. It is essential that we continue to provide routes into farming and crofting for the next generation of rural workers and the SLMS is helping with this.

“I would encourage anyone who wishes to move out of farming but wishes to see it continue on their land to make use of this excellent service.”

Notes for editors

  • The Scottish Land Matching Service is a consortium approach with support from NFU Scotland, Scottish Land Commission, Scottish Tenant Farmers Association, Scottish Land and Estates, RSABI, Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs, Farm Advisory Service, Forestry and Land Scotland, Crofting Commission, Scottish Crofting Federation and Institute of Auctioneers and Appraiser.
  • For a confidential discussion on the options available and to register with the service it can be contacted by email to slms@nfus.org.uk, or by telephone on 07741 902648 (Allan) or 07842 308291 (Ian).

Ends

Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006 

Author: Bob Carruth

Date Published:

News Article No.: 59/24


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About The Author

Bob Carruth

A dairy farmer’s son, I joined NFU Scotland in 1999 after 13 years as an agricultural journalist. Following spells as a regional manager and policy lead on milk, livestock and animal health and welfare, I became Communications Director in 2008.

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