Farmers hit by extreme weather can seek financial assistance from a £6 million government fund, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has announced.
The Weather Aid group, chaired by chief agricultural officer Drew Sloan, will meet at the end of July to review applications to the scheme and finalise the level of support available for individual producers.
Priority will be given to those affected by the snow at the end of March.
Applications will be accepted from producers who have lost 10% or more of their breeding ewes or lambs put to the ram or goat, have over 20% fewer lambs or kids reared this year from equivalent breeding stock numbers; have re-sown 20% of an arable crop; have lost 5% or more of other breeding livestock; or had more than 10% fewer calves or other livestock reared this year from equivalent breeding stock numbers.
The scheme includes an extra £250,000 for the fallen stock fund to be used to rebate some of the costs to livestock producers during March, April and May.
Mr Lochhead said: “This is a distressing time for farmers and the industry as a whole.
“I know, having spoken to a number of farmers, just how big an impact it has had on them, and this money will provide a much-needed lifeline to help them get back on their feet.
“The Scottish Government acted swiftly to provide assistance and the £6 million package will be available to those hardest hit.
“It was important that the group examined the situation fully to come up with a scheme to distribute this much needed financial help.”