News / Croft grants face scythe
TWO grant schemes that help the agriculture industry in Shetland are set to be slashed as part of ongoing council cuts.
The isles’ economic development committee will next week hear proposals to save £60,000 a year from the Shetland Agricultural Business Scheme (SABS) and the Shetland Rural Development Scheme (SRDS).
SABS has an annual budget of £100,000 for grants to help pay for fertilisers, herd improvements and growing arable crops.
SRDS has £60,000 a year to support capital projects such as fencing and ditching.
Project manager Jon Dunn has proposed axing grants for fertilisers or lime and reducing both schemes by 40 and 33 per respectively.
In his report, Dunn says that while savings have to be made the department wants to avoid “completely compromising the economic development objectives of both schemes”.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.