Scottish hill farmers and crofters are being reminded that the deadline for applying to the Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme closes on Friday 30 November 2018.
The scheme (SUSSS) gives direct support to help maintain sheep flocks in farm businesses reliant on poorer quality rough grazing found in Scotland.
It has an annual budget of €8 million. Payments in sterling will depend on the exchange rate in force at the time.
SUSSS opened for applications on Saturday 1 September earlier this year.
Following a temporary change to the deadline last year, NFU Scotland pushed for a permanent change to SUSSS going forward, extending the application period to 30 November.
The union is also pointing out to applicants that Friday 30 November is a public holiday and local area offices will be closed.
However, paper applications hand delivered or posted in time to reach the area office mailbox on 30 November will still be accepted.
Applications completed online must be submitted by midnight on Friday 30 November.
Payments for ewe hoggs through SUSSS delivers vital support that underpins the viability of many hill farming and crofting businesses.
NFU Scotland Policy Manager, Jenny Brunton said: “Many applicants to the 2017 SUSSS will be aware of the permanent extension to the application deadline to 30 November.
“However, scheme deadlines can often slip the mind. There are indications that, with just a few days to go, almost a quarter of expected applications to the scheme are outstanding.
“Given the importance of this funding stream to hill farmers and crofters, we urge all those who are eligible to crack on with their applications.
“They need to also be aware that the deadline coincides with a public holiday. Paper applications hand delivered or posted in time to reach the area office mailbox on 30 November will still be accepted,” she said.
