Commenting on the news that the National Union of Farmers have called for significant improvements to the rural priorities scheme, Liberal Democrat Rural affairs spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP said:

“For months now it has become increasingly clear what a shambles Scottish Ministers have been making of Rural Priorities. Richard Lochhead’s announcement on the delays getting a business development loan through the scheme has been met with understandable dismay from those within the farming and crofting communities.

“Rural priorities funding makes a vital contribution to sustaining a wide range of excellent projects in our rural communities. However, the delays in paying out money have created significant problems and, in many instances, put projects at serious risk of failure.

“This is not the first time, of course, that this SNP government has been found wanting with regard to Rural Priorities. Instead of reaching for excuses and claiming it is all too difficult, Mr Lochhead must now get a grip on the situation and clear up the mess he has created with this scheme.”