Farm Tenants Improvements Amnesty - Use It Or Lose It

15th June 2017

Changes in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 - Tenants' Improvements Amnesty: Farm Advisory Services events will say "use it or lose it"

Event: Use it or lose it - FAS Tenants' Improvements Amnesty.

Date: 17.45 - 21.00, Tuesday 11 July 2017

Location: Jurys Inn, Millburn Road Inverness, IV2 3TR

The Scottish Government's Farm Advisory Service (FAS) is holding a series of events across Scotland this summer to inform tenant farmers and landowners about important changes to tenancy legislation including the current Tenants' Improvements Amnesty.

Agreed as part of the 2016 Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016, the amnesty allows for certain past improvements carried out by the tenant to be eligible for way-go (end of tenancy) compensation despite missing notices or consents. The amnesty opens on June 13 and will run for three years.

The aim of the FAS events are to raise awareness of the key changes brought about by the 2016 Act - what is now in force and what is coming and the implications. This will include a discussion on the amnesty, informing those involved of its importance at way-go and during rent reviews, and providing information on which improvements are eligible for the amnesty.

Dr Bob McIntosh, the new Tenant Farming Commissioner, will be attending a number of the events to help promote the amnesty and to outline his priorities for his new role. A number of the industry’s most respected solicitors and land agents will also attend.

Michael Halliday, of the Farm Advisory Service, said: "The events are a great opportunity to find out first hand about the Improvements Amnesty and other important changes to tenancy legislation."

The first event is being held at the Jurys Inn in Inverness on Tuesday 11 July from 17.45 hrs.

Other events are being held in the following areas:

Wednesday 12 July - Aberdeenshire: Thainstone Centre, Inverurie

Tuesday 18 July – Cupar: Lomondhills Hotel, Freuchie

Wednesday 19 July – Perth: Huntingtower Hotel, Perth

Thursday 20 July – St Boswells: Buccleuch Arms, The Green, St Boswells

A further five events will be held in October at locations in Ayrshire, Dumfries, Stranraer, Bute and Islay.

The FAS events are free and open to all, but booking is essential. To book your place please phone or email the National FAS Hub on 0300 323 0161 or email: advice@fas.scot