Rural Support Plan (RSP) - Annex
The Rural Support Plan as required in terms of s2 of the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024 outlining the expected use by Scottish Ministers during the plan period of the powers conferred on them by s6 of the Act - support within the four tier framework
Crofting Cattle Improvement Scheme
Crofting Cattle Improvement Scheme - RP&S guidance
Description
Hire of high quality, high health status Scottish Government owned bulls to groups of crofters, subsidising up to 50% of the full cost of keeping a bull. There are several breeds of bull available (Aberdeen Angus, Charolais, Limousin, Luing, Saler, Hereford, Shorthorn and Simmental). Flat rate hire fee (all bulls) - £1,600.75 inc. VAT, flat rate hire fee (if wintered township) - £1,152.53 inc. VAT.
Purpose
The nature and location of crofting mean it is often impractical for crofters to maintain their own bull. As all bulls purchased are in the top 50% of Estimated Breeding Values for their breeds, the scheme helps maintain the number of healthy cows in the crofting counties and increase returns from livestock, both economically and nutritionally.
Contribution to Strategic Outcomes
High Quality Food Production
- CCIS enables access to high quality bulls and the supply of quality calves to the Scottish beef industry
- CCIS enables access to high health bulls and the maintenance of small herds of healthy cattle
Enabling Thriving Rural Communities
- CCIS enables crofters to maintain cattle herds, facilitating continued business viability and continued contribution to rural communities
Nature Restoration
- Small herds of cattle can support nature restoration and biodiversity through low intensity grazing
Method
Application
Key dates
Annual, application window – 16th January, normal hire period March/April to October/November
Eligibility
- You must be a group of 2 or more crofters (unless exceptional circumstances i.e. last cattle keeper in your township and you can demonstrate there are no alternatives/no opportunity to work with neighbouring townships)
- Your croft must be located in the crofting counties
Requirements
- You must adhere to scheme conditions, in particular the Conditions of Hire
- On delivery you assume responsibility for the bull inc. movement recording and safekeeping of passport
- You must comply with the Animal Health and Welfare Codes of Practice and Guidance
Baseline payment information:
Budget circa £640,000 based on 25/26 (£880,000 expenditure, £240,000 income)
No. of recipients circa 488
Calves sired circa 3,500
Policy and delivery officials monitor and review the scheme annually
Contact
Email: CAP.SRDP.Policy@gov.scot