£60 Million Funding for Rural Projects Across Scotland

Around 1,000 rural projects in Scotland will benefit from £60million of funding, to protect land, habitats, species and rivers.

The money from the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme will be released over the next five years to land managers and rural businesses, including some across Dumfries and Galloway, and the Scottish Borders.

The scheme aims to enhance natural heritage, improve water quality, manage flood risk and tackle climate change.

Other projects set to gain from the funding include improving public access to the countryside, protecting vulnerable species and habitats and work to improve water quality.

Farmers and land managers in rural Scotland are the custodians of our countryside.

"They play a crucial role in protecting and promoting our natural environment.

"Everyone has a part to play in helping to achieve our ambitious climate change targets and it's great to see so many farming businesses seeking to do their bit - benefiting their local environment and potentially boosting productivity and profitability."

– FERGUS EWING, RURAL ECONOMY SECRETARY

Source: ITV