Oct 22 2018
STFA ROLLS OUT PRACTICAL ON-FARM AMNESTY DAYS FOR TENANT FARMERS
Scottish Tenant Farmers Association
News Release
19th October 2018
STFA ROLLS OUT PRACTICAL ON-FARM AMNESTY DAYS FOR TENANT FARMERS
In recognition of the importance of the tenant’s amnesty for improvements, the Scottish Tenant Farmers Association, supported by the Land Commission, is holding a series of farm walks explaining the amnesty process and demonstrating how it should work in practice. Seven farm walks are scheduled to be held on tenant farms during the end of October and beginning November. The practical session will be followed by soup and sandwiches at a nearby venue and a discussion session in the afternoon. Land agents from Youngs RPS and Davidson and Robertson Rural will lead the morning farm walks and discussion sessions in the afternoon and other professional agents will be in attendance. The events are supported by the Scottish Land Commission
Commenting on the initiative STFA director Angus McCall said: “Completing the tenants’ amnesty is one of the most important tasks most tenants will ever undertake. This is a unique opportunity to turn the clock back to regularise and record improvements carried out years ago which may not have been correctly notified. Not only will this mean that these items will now be eligible for end of tenancy compensation, but identifying tenant’s improvements and fixtures will be essential for the new rent test due to be rolled out in the next year or so.
“The amnesty expires in June 2020 and with not much more than 18 months to run, tenants cannot afford to delay much longer and should resolve to use the long winter evenings to compile a list of improvements and the necessary evidence to prove ownership.
“Tenants’ improvements do not just extend to buildings, fences, houses and the more obvious works which have been carried out over the years, but also to less obvious items such as drainage, reseeding and rock clearance. The farm walks will provide an opportunity to examine the scope of what may be considered as a tenant’s improvements and the Tenant Farming Commissioner will be on hand to give some practical guidance and clarity”.
The farm walks are open to members, but non-members are welcome to join STFA beforehand and attend the events. Registration is essential and early booking advisable.
To book or for further information contact STFA on 01408633275 / 07767756840 or email stfa@tfascotland.org.uk.
“Can you afford not to come along!”
Meeting Dates:
Mon 29th Oct Rogie Hill, Skene, Westhill Aberdeenshire, AB32 6YQ,
Wed 31st Oct Little Kildrummie, Nairn, IV12 5QU
Thurs 1st Nov Merriness, Tibbermore, PH1 1QL,
Mon 5th Nov Ballagan Farm, Thornhill, DG3 4AW
Tues. 6th Nov Sandyknowe, Kelso, Roxburghshire, TD5 7PG
Thurs 15th Nov, Inchparks, Stranraer, DG9 8QN,
Tues 4th Dec Eorrabus Farm, Bridgend, Islay, PA44 7PG,