Advice & Grants
Regardless of farm size or business stage, the Scottish Farm Advisory Service can help you to increase the profitability and sustainability of your farming business through Government funding for one-to-one advice, worth up to a total of £5,860.
It is now possible to submit your forms online to make the process even easier; see our one-to-one services below to find out more.
Preparing for the future of Scottish agriculture
Agriculture in Scotland is having to respond to changing weather patterns and shifts in temperature. Its important that those working in Scottish Agriculture are of how best to respond to these changes. Our 'preparing for the future' page has got a number of resources to help you with your own response, as well as more information about Scottish Government's Whole Farm Plan.
One-to-one services
Commission an adviser to undertake a confidential assessment of your business and help develop your plans for the future.
Receive funding for 2 further specialist advice plans to take a deeper look at topics of interest.
Identify where performance improvements and savings can be made.
Up to 4 days with a personal mentor
Using her entrepreneurial skills Heather Wildman established her own business in 2014, Saviour Associates Ltd. Specialising in staff management, motivation, leadership, resilience and succession the business now works across all types of enterprises. Here, Heather shares her thoughts on being an expert adviser delivering specialist advice on succession planning.
Though Danielle had been familiar with farming since childhood, it wasn’t until she and her partner relocated to a small farm in the Scottish Borders that she realised the extent of what there was still to learn. Danielle explains how a local shepherd who understood small scale farming provided mentoring through the FAS mentoring program, sharing knowledge and helping to build confidence.
Carol Glennie knew she was happiest when working with animals, and to gain more practical experience and help on her grandad's farm, she sought out her neighbour to be her mentor through FAS.
Roderick transitioned from running his own telecommunications company to buying a farm with his wife on Islay. Despite their desire to raise cattle, they lacked experience and needed external support from their neighbour, Peter McDermid, a third-generation beef farmer.
In April 2017, Iain Withers, a new entrant to farming, started his own business – Narrowboat Farm, a small-scale market garden in Linlithgow.
Cara became a FAS mentor in 2020 and is the founder of Lochview Rural Training, based on her working croft in Lairg, Sutherland. Her mentees find her to be an inspiring role model, and she believes the FAS mentoring program enables her to make a meaningful impact on individuals.
Bitney MacNab has ambitious plans to diversify from her bed and breakfast business, and establish a completely self-sufficient, sustainable, eco-friendly smallholding.
For many years, land owner, Fergus Laing has run a successful and diverse highland estate, incorporating a tenant farm, golfing, fishing and hunting.
In 2015, Beauty Bhowmik and her husband Devproteek, decided to change careers and move their family from London to East Kilbride to start a farm business.
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