Seventeen sites suitable for new entrants to farming have been published by Forestry and Land Scotland, with applications now open.
The sites cover a total of 325 hectares and range in size from just over 1 hectare to 53 hectares.
All are to be leased as grazing land for sheep or cattle.
The initiative was first announced by Jim Fairlie, Agriculture and Connectivity Minister, at Agriscot in November.
Jim Fairlie said:
“I am pleased to see that Forestry and Land Scotland has found a total of 17 locations and made them available to young farmers and new entrants to the industry.
“The range of options available will suit a variety of applicants and will accommodate a broad range of ambitions and experience.
“I would urge young farmers and new entrants to assess what is being offered and to take the opportunity to take advantage of this boost to their fledgling careers.”
Forestry and Land Scotland said it continues to work closely with existing new entrant tenants to support the growth and development of their farming businesses.
The opportunities are being promoted now so that successful applicants can align their plans with the farming year and access available farm support.
The organisation said balancing timber production, conservation, nature restoration and agriculture remains central to its approach to integrated land management.
It is also exploring ways to expand the range of sites available in future years by integrating further farming opportunities into strategic plans for Scotland’s national forests and land.
