Rural Payments and Services

The 2022 Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme (SUSSS) opened for applications Thursday 1 September.

This scheme provides additional support on top of the Basic Payment Scheme, to sheep producers who farm in Scotland's rough grazing areas. The application window will close on Wednesday 30 November 2022.

These payments help farmers maintain the social and environmental benefits that sheep flocks bring to certain areas.

Using our online service is the easiest and quickest way to submit an application. Submitting an application online will also help you to avoid some simple errors such as claiming for an animal twice or entering an ear tag in the wrong format. Full scheme guidance is available on our Rural Payments and Services website.

Background

This scheme gives direct support to help maintain sheep flocks in farm businesses reliant on poorer quality rough grazing found in Scotland’s Basic Payment Region three.

Eligible animals must be retained on your holding (including away winterings) from 1 December in the year of claim to 31 March in the following year.

To apply for this scheme, you must register with our new system. Even businesses who were previously registered with us must re-register.

You can find out more about how to register.