An expert group will soon give its recommendations on how Scotland can use public land to help the next generation of farmers.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead set up the group last year to look at how publicly-owned land can help farmers who are starting out their career.

Since 2013, the Scottish Government has created 11 starter farms on Government land.

Already reaping the rewards

Even before publication of the final report, farmers are already reaping the rewards of the expert group’s efforts, with even more starter farms and opportunities coming onto the market.

This includes a five-year let of 27 hectares at Lochnameal on Mull. The land surrounds a former Forest Worker Holding and is suitable for grazing.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise are looking to identify land on their estates suitable for starter farm opportunities.

Demand for land high

The demand for land has been flagged as a key requirement by new entrants to farming and various rural organisations, according to Henry Graham, who heads up the expert group.

He says there’s been drive, initiative and enthusiasm from the young people who have been taking small areas of land on seasonal lets.

The cooperation between organisations like Forest Enterprise Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, Crown Estate, Scottish Natural Heritage and Scottish Water means a number of smaller areas of opportunities will be advertised shortly.

Getting these opportunities out there now is important as the growing season is not too far off and drier ground is round the corner, says Mr Graham.

Mary Munro, Head of Farming in Scotland and Partner in Strutt & Parker's Perth office, said: “Some of the farms mentioned, particularly at Fochabers and Cowal, have sufficient scale to give real opportunities to  new entrants and will no doubt attract a fair bit of interest. Unfortunately the industry is in a difficult situation with poor prices and tight margins, and it will be a challenge for new entrants to achieve a profit. The financial boost from the New Entrants’ Schemes would be a welcome help to these new farmers.”