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Practical on-farm amnesty days call for tenant farmers to act now

A series of meetings held across Scotland have called for tenant farmers to act now to record and agree improvements as part of the tenant amnesty.

Last week saw the conclusion of a round of meetings, held by the Scottish Tenant Farmers Association (STFA), supported by the Scottish Land Commission, which demonstrated and explained to tenant farmers how to carry out the amnesty for tenant’s improvements. 

Tenant farmers have until June 2020 to consider if they have improvements to notify their landlord about and the practical meetings held over the last few months opened up discussion with tenants and land agents about the process.

The meetings took place on farms across the country and provided practical examples of tenant’s improvements and fixtures alongside practical discussion about the nature of the improvement and if they were eligible for the amnesty.

The meetings also provided step by step guidance on going through the amnesty process and explaining what evidence and information is required to demonstrate that the improvement was carried out by the tenant.

Commenting on the importance of the amnesty Tenant Farming Commissioner, Bob McIntosh said:

“The meetings have been a good opportunity to encourage tenant farmers to begin the amnesty process and to prepare a definitive list of improvements that may be eligible for compensation at waygo.  Tenants may be able to claim for the improvements even if some procedures weren’t followed when they were initially made.

“It is really important to emphasise that this amnesty is only taking place for three years – and we’re half way through already.  If tenant farmers have not started, they need to get started now.”

STFA Chairman Christopher Nicholson said:

“Completing the tenants’ amnesty is one of the most important tasks most tenants will ever undertake. Not only will this regularise and record improvements, 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 has the full support of the industry so it is surprising that such a small number of tenants seem to be taking advantage of the amnesty and we would urge all tenants to get involved before it is too late,’

More information about the amnesty can be found on here.