How to apply
Application window
We intend to announce the application window in early November 2026.
The Rural Payments and Services (RPS) system will be unavailable from 23 December 2026 to 6 January 2027. You will not be able to submit an Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) application while the system is unavailable.
You must submit your application before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted. We recommend that you do not leave submitting your application until the final day.
Before you apply
Before starting your application, you should:
- read this guidance and the Capital Investment Guide;
- check that you meet the eligibility requirements;
- decide which eligible investments you want to apply for and obtain realistic cost estimates;
- consider whether you will need any permissions, licences or consents; and
- check that you can access Rural Payments and Services (RPS) and that your business communication email address and registered bank account are up to date.
You are responsible for identifying and obtaining any permissions, licences, approvals or consents required for your investment. This may include planning permission, building warrants, SEPA approvals, landlord or crofting consent and utility permissions.
Where required, these must be in place before the investment is purchased, installed or brought into use.
An Offer of Grant does not remove your responsibility to obtain any permission, licence, approval or consent required for the investment.
Remember: Once the FFIS grant is paid, other agricultural support payments due to the business will be held. The hold will remain until every approved investments and quantity is completed; all evidence is assessed and verified and Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Division (SGRPID) confirms compliance.
Who can apply
You can apply if your agricultural business:
a) is registered with SGRPID and has an active Business Reference Number (BRN);
b) submitted a Single Application Form (SAF) by 15 May 2026 and claimed support from at least one of the following schemes:
- Basic Payment Scheme (BPS),
- Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS),
- Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS),
- Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme (SUSSS),
- Agri Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) – annual recurrent options,
- Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) – annual maintenance and management grants,
- Rural Development Contracts - Rural Priorities Scheme (RPS) – annual recurrent options;
c) is actively undertaking agricultural activity; and
d) meets any additional eligibility requirements that apply to the agricultural support claimed on your 2026 SAF.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online through the Manage Applications and Claims (MAC) portal on Rural Payments and Services (RPS). Use the Apply here button on the FFIS guidance page to start your application.
Using MAC
Use Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari to access MAC. No special browser settings are required. A cookie message may appear, but you do not have to accept optional cookies to use MAC.
For security, MAC will sign you out after two hours without a button being selected. Typing an investment cost or quantity into a box does not reset the two-hour period.
Select Save and continue as you move through your application so that the information you have entered is saved.
You must complete your application in one session. You cannot save an application and return to complete it later.
Only one active FFIS application may be held for a Business Reference Number (BRN) at any time.
You should check your application carefully before submitting it. Once submitted, your application cannot be changed.
All scheme communications will be sent to the preferred communication email address registered for your business on RPS.
You are responsible for ensuring that this email address is correct and up to date before submitting your application and remains accessible throughout the application and grant process.
SGRPID is not responsible for emails that cannot be delivered because the preferred communication email address registered on RPS is incorrect or out of date.
Agents and Business Representatives
Agents and Business Representatives must be appropriately mandated to submit an FFIS application or evidence of investment on behalf of a business.
Application declaration
You must ensure that the information you provide is complete and accurate.
By submitting your application, you confirm that the information provided is correct and that you have read and understood the FFIS guidance and scheme requirements.
SGRPID may contact you to request information required to verify your application. You must provide any information requested within the deadline specified.
Failure to provide information required to verify your application within the specified deadline may result in your application being rejected.