Scotland: National Rural Network
Connecting Rural Scotland - Promoting Rural Growth

Due to the freezing weather conditions, the Scottish Government have announced an extension to the deadline for the next Rural Priorities round. Applicants now have until 25th January 2010 to submit, instead of 11th January.

The government also announced last week that they are prepared to be flexible in allowing claims for payment under Rural Priorities to be deferred if the weather has been an issue in submitting them.

Rural Secretary Richard Lochhead said, "We are continuing to experience subzero temperatures across the country, with the worst snow and ice we have seen for many years.

"The conditions are causing particular problems for rural communities with many area offices difficult to access due to transport issues.

"With a number of stakeholder bodies having asked for the upcoming submit date for Rural Priorities to be extended, I am therefore happy to confirm that the deadline is now January 25.

"The additional time allowed may give businesses an opportunity to consider investing for the future by restructuring if existing facilities have been shown to be inadequate by the current weather.

"We announced last week that we are prepared to show flexibility in allowing claims for payment under Rural Priorities to be deferred if the weather has been an issue in submitting them.

"I hope that today's announcement will provide further assistance to our rural businesses and communities in this difficult period."

You can get more information on the Scottish Government's SRDP website.