Rural Payments and Services

Remember that applications for the AECS 2016 scheme close this Friday (12 June) and applications received after that will be processed for the following scheme year. You should also know that:

• You can still book an appointment with your local area office if you require support using the online system – click here to book or call if there is no online booking option.

• Supporting documentation for applications will be accepted until 30 June.

• We are aware that some people are experiencing issues accessing their AECS applications and so we are making a number of improvements to the system this evening (9 June). If you continue to have problems completing your AECS application after this, please contact your area office in the first instance. In the event that it is clear that you have been unable to submit your AECS applications due to circumstances beyond your control, then the Scottish Government will consider whether there is any flexibility on a case-by-case basis.

Please remember that all Single Application Forms (SAFs) must arrive to area offices by midnight on Monday, 15 June to avoid a penalty.

More support will be available for those filling in SAFs during the final weekend of the application window, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has announced.

To find out more click here.

Area offices will be providing additional telephone support for farmers and crofters between 10am and 3pm next Saturday and Sunday (13 and 14 June), as well as normal working hours between now and the SAF deadline on 15 June.

We are aware that the system was unavailable for short periods of time during Sunday and would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. We are continuing to update the system during maintenance windows to improve performance.