Aid for Scotland’s snow-hit sheep farmers

Sheep farmers in Scotland who lost more animals than normal due to bad weather last winter are set to receive a share of £200,000 of emergency government support.

Producers who disposed of carcasses through the National Fallen Stock Company will receive aid as part of a scheme announced by rural affairs minister Richard Lochhead in April.

Industry costs of removing dead sheep increased by an estimated 40% this year after Scotland’s farmers suffered severe losses in the cold weather.

Farmers will not have to claim for the support, which will be paid out automatically by the NFSCo at the end of June, once it has reviewed the number of fallen sheep.

An equal proportion of the £200,000 will be paid out to farmers by NFSCo based on the number of carcass collections made from 1 January and 30 April.

The fund was announced following talks with the Scottish government, the NFSCo, NFU Scotland and the National Sheep Association Scotland.

“Losses from many farms were severe and I pay tribute to the Scottish Government for helping out in this way,” said Ian Duncan Millar, NFSCo Scottish director.

“I would also like to thank the collectors for the prompt and professional collection service that they offered through the winter, especially in light of the clear difficulties there were in just trying to get around.”

For further information and advice call NFSCo on 0845 054 8888.