Farming boost from Forestry and Land Scotland

Speaking today (Wednesday 19 November) at AgriScot, Agriculture and Connectivity Minister, Jim Fairlie announced that Forestry and Land Scotland is to create more opportunities for new farmers on the land that it manages.

A review of FLS’ current and potential offering has identified 14 immediate opportunities for new entrants timed to align with the farming year and access to farm support, an annual programme of wider and longer term opportunities will be developed. The  initial 14 new entrant opportunities will be offered in Spring 2026.

Meanwhile, FLS will be working closely with existing new entrant tenants to support the growth and development of their farming business.

In addition, FLS is looking to further develop the farming element in its integrated land management of Glen Prosen and work with neighbouring estates to explore opportunities for new entrants in the wider Angus Glens area.

Mr Fairlie, said;

“As well as timber production, conservation and community empowerment, Forestry and Land Scotland’s continuing effort to make best use of public land is expanding its commitment to the agricultural community.

“Providing further opportunities for new entrants to farming will act as a leg up for young and novice farmers and help boost the sector’s long-term prospects.

“This approach to developing its vision of integrated land management by balancing multiple objectives, including promoting agriculture and new entrants to farming, is to be commended and I look forward to seeing how this develops, particularly in the Angus Glens.”

Since the Scottish Government established the Farming Opportunities for New Entrants Scheme (FONE) in 2016, FLS has offered 136 farming opportunities to new entrants. In addition FLS currently manages 225 existing agriculture agreements on Scotland’s national forests and land (covering 24,751 hectares), 53 of which are held by new entrants.

FLS’ Director of Commercial Development, David Leven, said;

“Optimising our agricultural offering has become business as usual for us and we always have an eye on where there might be further opportunities.

“We hope that over time we will be able to attract a wider range of new entrants and enable them to establish and grow their farming business.”

FLS has also been exploring with neighbouring landowners in the Angus Glens ways to further expand the benefits of the initiative for people by integrating farming opportunities into strategic plans for the area. 

Notes to Editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
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