The Scottish sheep sector is calling on ministers to commit to long-term farm support ahead of the 2026 Scottish general election, warning that without decisive action the country’s sheep flocks will continue to shrink.
The Scottish National Sheep Association (NSA) has written to the Scottish Government to set out its priorities for sheep farming and rural communities as it makes policy decisions in the run-up to the election.
In an open letter to Jim Fairley MSP, the group said multi-year funding with stable enclosures was essential to give businesses confidence at a time when sheep numbers were already under pressure.
The call comes against a backdrop of shrinking herds in the country, which NSA Scotland blames on economic pressures, land use change and depredation.
The group is calling on the Scottish Government to ensure long-term agricultural support by increasing funding, at least in line with the increase in HM Treasury block grants, arguing that predictable support is critical to supporting investment, succession planning and business viability.
Concerns were also raised about the future of the Sea Eagle Management Plan, which supports farmers and agricultural producers affected by sea eagle predation on livestock.
NSA Scotland welcomed the continued strengthening of shepherding within the scheme, but warned that workforce shortages and questions about long-term cost-effectiveness could undermine the viability of the scheme.
The association believes that shepherds could have wider benefits if successfully integrated with monitoring and biodiversity programmes, but stresses that lethal management may be necessary in individual cases to protect enterprises facing persistent predation when all other reasonable options have been exhausted.
In the letter, NSA Scotland also highlighted the continued importance of the Low-Level Area Payment (LFA) and the Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme (SUSSS), saying these schemes remain essential to sustaining sheep farming in some of Scotland’s most remote areas.
The organization also called for greater transparency around the £21m Farm and Food Infrastructure Scheme (FFIS), noting that while the 100% subsidy rate was generous, it was transformative for some businesses and provided valuable learnings for future support design.
NSA Scotland Chair Peter Miles said the scale of the challenge facing the sector should not be underestimated. “It’s important to remember that Scotland’s national herd continues to shrink due to economic pressures, land use change and predation,” he says.
He warned that there are forecasts suggesting UK sheep meat production could fall significantly if current trends continue, adding: “With the market currently strong, NSA Scotland believes now is the time to invest, increase domestic consumption and exports, and increase rather than reduce sheep numbers.”
The association also highlighted a range of additional pressures faced by producers, as inheritance tax changes due in April could threaten farm succession, and proposed fee reforms to the Food Standards Agency that could jeopardize the future of small abattoirs.
NSA Scotland warned that the loss of local processing capacity will have a serious impact on Scottish producers, local supply chains and the long-term business resilience.
Mr Miles said the year ahead will be an important opportunity for rural policy. He said: “This new year is an opportunity to deliver on our leadership and long-term vision for Scotland’s rural economy.”
“Sheep farming plays a vital role in food production, land management and rural livelihoods and we look forward to working constructively with the Government to ensure this sector remains fundamental to Scotland’s prosperity.”
He added that the organization hopes to engage early and meaningfully with ministers as decisions are made ahead of the elections.
