Catch up on the latest updates from our social media feeds
The Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) 2026 guidance is now available on Rural Payments and Services.
The guidance is available to help you understand what the scheme supports, who is eligible, what investments are eligible and what you will need to provide as part of your application.
FFIS 2026 has a £14.25 million budget and offers grants of up to £20,000 per farm or croft business, regardless of business size.
Grant rates are:
• 50% standard;
• 60% for eligible Highlands and Islands businesses;
• 80% for qualifying new entrants,; or
• 100% for specified environmental investments. The 100% rate is limited to investments expected to deliver wider public environmental benefits.
Only investments on the Capital Investment Guide are eligible.
The application window will not open today, 19 October. We intend to make an announcement in November confirming when applications can be submitted. The date of this announcement has not yet been confirmed
Read the guidance and Capital Investment Guide: www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/ffis/future-farming-investment-scheme/
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Operation Salmo launches today: a national, week-long enforcement and awareness campaign deploying additional resources across Scotland’s rivers to tackle salmon poaching.
The operation brings together Police Scotland , Fisheries Management Scotland and district salmon fishery board water bailiffs from across the country. Joint patrols on rivers and lochs will be intensified to detect fish crime and raise awareness of the damage poaching causes to Scotland’s endangered wild salmon.
What is fish crime?
Fish crime includes illegal activities that can cause serious harm to wild fish and their habitats, such as:
- Fishing for salmon or sea trout without permission
- Using illegal methods, including nets or traps
- Killing fish for their eggs
- Using poisons, explosives or other methods that kill fish
- Wilfully destroying juvenile fish habitat
- These activities threaten fragile salmon populations and can be linked to wider organised criminality.
Further information, including how to report suspicious activity click on the image below:
Operation Salmo: Protecting Scotland’s Wild Salmon | Fisheries Management Scotland
fms.scot
Operation Salmo launches today: a week-long enforcement and awareness campaign deploying additional resources across Scotland’s rivers to tackle salmon poaching.7 CommentsComment on Facebook
The Esk District Salmon Fishery Board Annual Meeting of Qualified Proprietors and Annual Public Meeting will be held on Wednesday 18th November at 6.30pm at the Finavon Inn/Red Lion Inn (DD8 3QD).
All welcome. If you would like a specific matter to be raised, please contact the Clerk in advance at cmac@eskriversangus.uk
📷 Neil Anderson
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You can read the Esks fortnightly fishing report (21 September - 3 October 2026) here:
eskrivers.org/fishing-report-21-september-3-october-2026/
📸 Neil Anderson
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The Great Scottish Squirrel Survey is running from 5th - 11th October this year, submit your sightings of both red and grey squirrels here:
scottishsquirrels.org.uk/squirrel-sightings/The #GreatScottishSquirrelSurvey starts today!
Keep an eye out for red and grey squirrels wherever you are this week, and record them on our website here: scottishsquirrels.org.uk/squirrel-sightings/
NatureScot Net Zero Scotland Scottish Wildlife Trust
Forestry and Land Scotland RSPB Scotland Scottish Land & Estates Aberdeen City Council Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park The Scottish Government
Walkhighlands
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WATER SCARCITY UPDATE
On the 1st October both the River North Esk and South Esk were upgraded to 'Alert' due to some welcome rainfall in the last week of September.
Further information an be found here:
beta.sepa.scot/water-scarcity/previous-reports/01-october-2026/
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The Big River Watch ends tonight!
So there's still time to get involved and contribute to this survey.
theriverstrust.org/big-river-watch
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You can read the Esks fortnightly fishing report (7 - 19 September 2026) here:
eskrivers.org/fishing-report-7-19-september-2026/
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There are still a few days left to take part in the Big River Watch! Here's how:
1️⃣ Download the free Big River Watch app
2️⃣ Spend 15 minutes observing your local river
3️⃣ Answer the easy in-app survey and upload!
From plants and wildlife to pollution and water colour, by telling us what you see you’ll help us paint a big picture of the health of our rivers in the UK and Ireland. All of this data can then be used to create change and demand better for our rivers.
🤳Search for ‘Big River Watch’ in your app store to download the app and get started.
theriverstrust.org/big-river-watch
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Twice a year @theriverstrust run The Big River Watch, with the next one taking place from the 18th to the 24th of September 2026. Anyone can take part in this week-long citizen science survey that helps to build an important picture of river health across the UK and Ireland.
For further deatils see: theriverstrust.org/take-action/the-big-river-watch#main-content
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WATER SCARCITY UPDATE
Yesterday (10th September) the River North Esk was downgraded to 'significant scarcity' following 30 consecutive days below the low flow threshold. Although the River South Esk has reset, it is remains in 'moderate scarcity'.
Further information is available here: beta.sepa.scot/water-scarcity/previous-reports/10-september-2026/
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You can read the Esks fortnightly fishing report (24 August - 5 September 2026) here: eskrivers.org/fishing-report-24-august-5-september-2026/
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