Rural Payments and Services

Before you apply for this scheme, you should read the full scheme guidance. If you have any questions, please check with us before you submit an application.

Full scheme guidance

If you need any help or assistance to use this guidance, you can book an appointment at your local area office.

Book an appointment

The scheme is open to crofters who are within the defined crofting areas. To apply, crofters need to be a group of 2 or more. Crofters who cannot form a group, perhaps where they are the last cattle keeper in their township, may be considered eligible for the Scheme. However, they must be able to demonstrate that:

• there are no alternatives
• there is no opportunity to work together with neighbouring townships who are hiring a bull
• they can still deliver the scheme benefits

There are several breeds of bulls available for hire: Aberdeen Angus, Charolais, Limousin, Luing, Saler, Hereford, Shorthorn and Simmental.

Applicants can apply for any of the breeds of bulls available, however Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Division (SGRPID) reserve the right to supply a breed which is considered more suitable. Where herd replacements are made from homebred heifers, suitable breeds for that purpose will be provided.

Application forms and conditions of hire can be found on our forms page or to request a paper pack, please contact Inverness Area Office or the Bull Stud Farm Manager.

Flat rate hire fee (all bulls) - *£1,600.75

Flat rate hire fee (if wintered township) - £1,152.53

* Wintered at Scottish Government Bull Stud Knocknagael. All prices include VAT at 20%.

The hire of a bull is a flat rate charge and includes VAT at 20%. A VAT receipt will be issued upon request.

Responsibility for the payment lies with the grazing clerk/constable or secretary/representative of the group. Payment should be collected and submitted by cheque or internet banking when invoiced. Invoicing will occur on approval usually February/March.

If you are unhappy with a decision we have made regarding your application, you have the right to appeal.

Likewise, if you are unhappy with our service as a whole, we have a dedicated complaints procedure to help you resolve this.

Appeals

Complaints

If you have any questions about this scheme, please get in touch. Contact details can be found in our Contact us section or you can contact the SG Bull Stud team directly:

SG Bull Stud Knocknagael,
Essich Road
Inverness,
IV2 6AJ

T: 01463 231 261
E: sgbullstud@gov.scot