Scottish farmers are to be offered advice on everything from accounting to writing a will at roadshows which are to be held around the country.
The series of Planning for the Future events have been organised by the Scottish Government’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS), in collaboration with NFU Scotland (NFUS) and the Scottish Land Commission.
These free events will feature a range of guest speakers, including accountants, legal experts and NFUS Next Generation representatives.
Hamish Lean, agricultural lawyer at Shepherd & Wedderburn, and James MacKessack-Leitch, policy officer at the Scottish Land Commission, will be among the expert speakers.
Among the issues covered will be succession, Inheritance Tax and joint venture opportunities, encouraging farmers to think about the future of their business.
Those attending will also be given the opportunity to talk one-on-one with the expert speakers.
The first roadshow took place on Orkney, with further events taking place in the following locations:
Tuesday 9 October – Tarbert Hotel, Harbour Street, Tarbert, Argyll, PA29 6UB.
Wednesday 10 October – Kingarth Hotel, Isle of Bute, PA20 9LU.
Thursday 1 November – Dingwall Mart, Highlands, IV15 9TP.
Tuesday 6 November – Balmakewan Farm, Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, AB30 1QX.
Thursday 8 November – Inchberry Hall, Fochabers, Moray, IV32 7QB.
Thursday 13 November – Stair Arms Hotel, Pathhead, Midlothian, EH37 5TX.
FAS is delivered by experts from SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).
Kirsten Williams, from SAC Consulting, said: ‘Nobody really knows what the future holds, particularly in these uncertain times, but there are many things we can do to plan ahead. We hope as many farmers as possible take advantage of these free events, where they will receive expert guidance from a range of excellent speakers.’
Jenny Brunton, Next Generation policy manager at NFU Scotland, said: ‘These joint workshops with NFUS, the Farm Advisory Service and the Scottish Land Commission are a great example of the collaboration that is needed in Scottish agriculture. The events provide new entrants, successors and those looking to wind down with an opportunity to explore different joint venture models and speak to experts on what will work best for them.
‘Often people just need to start a conversation and they are likely to find others in the same position. The first meeting in Orkney was a huge success and the variety of people there added to the fantastic discussion. NFUS is encouraging farmers and crofters to plan ahead and these workshops are the ideal place to do this.’
To book a free place at one of the roadshows, visit the FAS website . Alternatively, contact Val Angus on 01835 823 322 or email val.angus@sac.co.uk.
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