Agriculture opportunities
Agriculture opportunities
Forestry and Land Scotland manages around 30,000 hectares of agricultural land in Scotland which is occupied under a range of short and long term agreements.
Starter units
We continue to work with other public and private landowners through the Scottish Government Farming Opportunities for New Entrants (FONE) group, promoting available opportunities for attracting new people into agriculture.
We routinely offer bare land opportunities on Scotland’s National Forests and Land whenever they become available. These small business units can provide new entrants with start-up grazing areas. This will help to build up their farming experience and stock numbers. These opportunities are typically on sites which require low input/output farming methods that enhance our environmental objectives. When available, current opportunities will be listed below.
Starter unit frequently asked questions
Current Opportunities
Land at Shalloch on Minnoch & Craigenrae
We are offering an agriculture opportunity at Shalloch on Minnoch & Craigenrae where Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) consider that their objectives can be met by way of low input farming methods.
These areas were retained for grazing when the surrounding land was planted with trees approximately 50 years ago. These areas were originally retained for reasons of landscape and nature conservation. Many bird species are known to use the site, such as barn owls, kestrels and moorland waders through the winter. The two sites also have plant species which are of interest and have nature conservation value. Low intensity cattle grazing is desired to remove rank vegetation and keep the sward more open and varied. FLS invite proposals from parties who would be interested in undertaking the grazing management of this area.
*Applicants should note that there is occasional use of a ruined building, adjacent to the site at Shalloch on Minnoch, by the Ministry of Defence. FLS is notified of any such use in advance.
Wilsontown Conservation Grazing, by Forth
We are offering an agriculture opportunity at Wilsontown Conservation Grazing where Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) consider that their objectives can be met by way of low input farming methods.
The primary purpose of this grazing is to maintain the grass sward to levels where the scheduled monument, comprising ruins of building’s and mine workings can be more clearly seen. FLS invite proposals from parties who would be interested in undertaking the grazing management of this area.
Starter farms
Between 2012 and 2015 we established 9 part-time starter farms on Scotland's National Forests and Land, giving new entrants to farming a unique opportunity to get a start. Our tenants are gaining valuable experience in growing and managing their own businesses, before moving on to larger scale operations at the end of their tenancy. We will not be offering any new starter farm opportunities.