Scottish Spending Review 2026

Chapter 12 Rural Affairs, Land Reform & Islands

The Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands (RALRI) portfolio will continue to drive sustainability, productivity and resilience across Scotland’s agriculture, forestry, food and drink, and marine sectors throughout the spending review period. Our responsibilities include farming and food production, fisheries and aquaculture, animal and plant health, peatland restoration, woodland expansion, rural and island development, land reform, crofting, national parks and natural capital.

Over the spending review period, we will invest more than £1.9 billion in support for Scottish farmers, crofters, land managers, and rural communities. This funding will maintain direct payments while investing in the transformation of farming and food production, including delivering the Agriculture Reform Programme and supporting the sector to become a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture. We will publish the Rural Support Plan early in 2026 and continue to support the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme, tackling climate change by helping producers to cut emissions and enhance biodiversity.

Crofting is central to the Highlands and Islands, and the Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill will simplify legislation to make crofting regulation less onerous. We will provide more opportunities for communities to own land through the Scottish Land Fund, and implement the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025.

We will continue to support skills development across farming, crofting and the wider land-based sectors, via Lantra Scotland, and in the food and drink sectors via Scotland Food & Drink. Following the publication of the national Good Food Nation Plan, we will invest £4.4 million, working with local authorities, health boards and the newly established Scottish Food Commission.

The Scottish Government is fully committed to maximising the contribution of forestry and peatlands to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and generate growth for the Scottish economy. Over £282 million is allocated to Scottish Forestry for the next three years, maintaining and expanding the flagship Woodland grants programme. A further £92 million is committed to investing in peatland restoration.

We will work for our islanders through the refreshed National Islands Plan, to build ever more resilient, sustainable and prosperous islands. Support for Community Led Local Development will continue, allocating almost £28 million over the next three years.

Marine investment will include funding for the Marine Fund Scotland to deliver Blue Economy outcomes. We have allocated £150 million over the next four years towards the replacement of two existing Marine Protection and Research Vessels, which will ensure continuity of this capability which plays a critical role in safeguarding Scottish fish stocks.