Since joining the Scottish Land Matching Service (SLMS) I have thoroughly enjoyed my new role as an Independent Advisor. Throughout the first few months of the year, we have continued to receive a steady number of interesting enquiries from both seekers and providers. Initial contact with the service is very much a starting point and it has been particularly rewarding to help develop and provide support to those who have an opportunity to offer.

This has resulted in a new joint business opportunity being available on an upland livestock farm in the Borders which has already generated a lot of interest. There are also a few other potential opportunities under development which I hope will become available soon. A range of existing opportunities are also available that may be of interest if you are still looking for a new opportunity, if so, please get in touch.

It is also good to see new opportunities being advertised more widely which include a contract dairy farming opportunity near to Dunblane and for two farms available for rent on the Isle of Bute.

Although it is still early days it will also be interesting to see if the recent changes to The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 to allow for the relinquishment and assignation of secure 1991 Act tenancies to new entrant or progressing farmers results in more holdings becoming available for rent.

While still restricted from meeting in person, zoom virtual meetings have taken place with the East Lothian Agricultural Discussion Group and Turriff NFUS members. We also had a very useful engagement with Farming Connect who operate a similar land and business matching service in Wales. Discussions are also currently ongoing to further promote the service in the crofting areas with the appointment of two new crofting development officers in the Western Isles.

I know that you are all now going into a particular busy time of the year of the farming calendar. However, I would ask that you continue to review you current farming and business arrangements and to ask yourself if you may have a potential opportunity that may be worth speaking to us about.

We can be contacted on 07741 902648 or via our website https://www.slms.scot

Allan Young BSc (Hons) Agriculture – Independent Advisor, Scottish Land Matching Service.