Funding for nature restoration in Scotland this year will be triple what is was two years ago, according plans unveiled by the Scottish Government.
The figures were confirmed in budget papers after finance secretary Shona Robison announced Scotland’s spending review for 2026 on Tuesday.
The figures come as the Scottish Government committed to investing more than £5 billion this year into tackling the climate emergency, reduce carbon emissions and increase resilience as well as backing regenerative and sustainable skills in food and farming.
Ms Robison, delivering her last draft Budget before stepping down at May’s election, said more than £1.9 billion will be invested in supporting Scottish farmers, crofters, land managers, and rural communities.
The funding will maintain direct payments for farmers while investing in making the sector become a global leader in regenerative and sustainable farming. This will include investment of £1.3 million in skills for regenerative and sustainable farming.
The National Farmers Union Scotland (NFU Scotland) said while the rural portfolio will see a welcome return of £26 million for Agricultural Modernisation, the union warned that flatline funding through schemes such as the Basic Payment Scheme and Less Favoured Area Support still represents a real terms decline in support given rising costs.
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The Scottish Government has delivered a budget that essentially flatlines vital direct support payments. That will give some certainty and security. Scottish farmers and crofters deserve a budget that recognises their indispensable role in delivering high-quality food, climate and nature outcomes, and supporting rural communities.
