McCall hits out at lack of land for let to would-be tenants

SFTA chairman Angus McCall warned that prompt action from both was necessary if the tenant farming sector was to realise its true potential. To achieve this aim, Scotland's landowners, including the Scottish Government, had to rent out more land and to allow greater investment by tenants in their holdings.

"There is a definite lack of opportunity for those hopeful new entrants desperate to get a start in farming and existing farmers who are keen to invest and grow their businesses," he said.

"Paradoxically, there is also a large area of vacant and under-used land, especially in the hills and uplands, which could be making a huge contribution to the rural community, the economy and the environment."

Andrew Howard, of Scottish Land and Estates, said it was regrettable that the STFA chose simply to blame government and landowners. "It is misleading to give the impression these issues can be simply resolved.

"Availability of capital, single farm payment and tax are all important issues not referred to by STFA, but are recognised as issues by the Tenants' Farming Forum.

"There is universal agreement that a vibrant tenanted sector, underpinning and offering rural employment, is good for farming and everything possible should be done to encourage new entrants to farming. Our members are wholeheartedly committed to helping make that happen."

• A leaked document from the president of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barrosa, which emerged last night has suggested that the rural development fund be cut by 30 per cent. Scottish MEP George Lyon said that if this suggestion was taken up, it would be a disaster for Scotland. "Essential support schemes such as Less Favoured Area scheme would be badly hit."