On the right track – couple give their backing to Farm Diversification Scheme

Four and a half months from start to finish – that's how long it took a farming couple to apply and receive a Farm Diversification Scheme grant through the Council. 

Thanks to a 30% funding boost, Graham Flaws and Amy Kinsey, from Aithsdale, have been able to purchase a tracked excavator which they now hire and operate providing a service to others. 

After hearing of the scheme from a fellow farmer, they went along to an event being held in Longhope during December 2023. It was here they met one of the Council’s Economic Development Officers, Annabel Bews, who was able to guide them through the process. 

Amy admitted that she wasn’t too keen at first, expecting there to be lot of red tape and hoop jumping! 

“In fact, there was no unnecessary complications and it's not nearly as time consuming as a lot of schemes farmers have to deal with. There is a lot of help available for the application process, Business Gateway were really great and Annabel is brilliant, she's really positive and helpful. She understands farming which makes a huge difference, and she always responds really quickly to any questions or issues there might be. 

“We spent a few weeks getting together the information we needed, then we put our application in at the end of January. The money was in our bank account within ten weeks! 

“The process was really straightforward for us. Our project didn't involve planning permission or anything, so it was just a case of doing the figures to show it was viable for us and getting quotes from suppliers.”  

The couple would encourage other farmers and crofters to at least go and check out the scheme at this week’s event. 

“It is good to see the Council doing something to support farming and they have really good people in place to guide you through the process. If you are thinking about applying, you should!”  

If you are looking to grow and diversify your farm or croft business in Orkney then the Council’s Economic Development team are holding a free drop-in event at the Grainayre Room, Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall on Thursday 2 May, 2024 from 10am til 2pm. 

Economic Development Officers will be able to help with: 

grant funding opportunities and options to support a farm or croft diversification project; 

application processes; 

and navigating regulations. 

OIC Economic Development Officer, Annabel Bews, said: “The Crown Estate Economic Development Fund aims to support the local economy to become stronger and more resilient. 

“Grants of up to £40,000 for diversification projects, at a maximum of up to 30% of the total eligible costs, will be available through the Farm Diversification Scheme for any active farm or croft business looking to diversify. 

“We would encourage folk to come along and we can chat over the options that may be available to them.”