Union and SLF present tenancy plan

4 June 2001



Union and SLF present tenancy plan

By FWi staff

NEW proposals for farm tenancies in Scotland have been finalised by the Scottish farmers and landowners representatives.

The National Farmers Union of Scotland and the Scottish Landowners Federation (SLF) say their plan would benefit both tenants and landowners.

And after a history disagreements over tenancies, the organisations said the new proposals signalled a breakthrough in relations.

Their final document has now been presented to Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie who is drafting the new agricultural holdings legislation.

Two limited duration tenancies are proposed, addressing short-term lettings — including cropping arrangements — and longer whole farm lets.

The first would be for up to five years and the latter with a minimum term of 15 years with flexibility incorporated.

NFUS vice president John Kinnaird said: “Tenant farmers and landowners will both benefit from NFU Scotland and the SLF working together in their best interests.

“The significance of this agreement should not be underestimated, he stressed. This issue has polarised opinions for far too long,

Existing tenancies will be protected and new forms of tenancy agreement will provide more flexibility but security as well, said Mr Kinnaird.

This is a modern and radical approach to agricultural holdings legislation but one which reflects a fast-changing environment,” he insisted.

SLF convener Robert Balfour said the proposals offered a structured system which providing legal certainty to both landowner and tenant.

We believe that this important agreement does so and the onus is now on the Minister to reflect this in the proposed new legislation.”

When the Scottish Executive unveiled plans to reform farm tenancies last year the NFUS warned that they could amount to a landlords charter.

The NFUS had wanted the document to contain proposals for a minimum farm tenancy period of 21 years.

• Scots tenancy plan a landlords charter, FWi, 17 May 2000
• SLF hits back at NFUS allegation of delay, FWi, 07 May 1999
  

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