Potential applicants should note that important changes to the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grants Scheme (CCAGS), which include new eligibility criteria, came into force on 1 April 2011.
In brief, these changes mean that:
- Eligible applicants under 40 years of age qualify for a higher rate of grant.
- CCAGS provision is extended to the entire Highlands and Islands Enterprise area.
- The new category of short lease tenants of an owner-occupied croft, as introduced by the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, are eligible for assistance.
- CCAGS is no longer means tested.
In addition, under the new arrangements, owners of holdings, other than a croft, are no longer eligible to apply for CCAGS.
Non-crofter applicants who have had their application approved before 31 March 2011 should submit their claim for payment in the normal way once the work has been completed.
Owner-occupier crofters are still eligible to apply for CCAGS assistance under the new scheme arrangements without means testing.
New CCAGS 2011 "Guidance Notes for Applicants" booklets are available online.
If you have any questions about these changes in the meantime, please contact your local SGRPID office.