A long-running spat over historic farm subsidy allocations has been settled and Scottish farmers are set to receive their share of £160 million.
Chancellor, Sajid Javid, announced the funding boost during his spending review in the House of Commons.
“In 2013, when the UK Government allocated the Common Agricultural Policy (Cap) funding within the UK, Scottish farmers lost out,” said Mr Javid.
“Today we correct that decision making available an extra £160m for Scottish farmers.”
Farm leaders, and Scottish Government, have long argued Scotland was robbed of extra Cap funds, known as convergence uplift, when they were distributed across the UK.
The funds were awarded to the UK to bring Scotland’s per-hectare subsidy average up, however the full allocation was not given to Scotland.
Confirmation of the funding follows a pledge by the Prime Minister that he would give the money back to Scottish farmers.
The news was widely welcomed by industry and branded a lobbying victory.
Scottish Rural Economy Secretary, Fergus Ewing, said: “This shows what can be achieved when parliament and stakeholders all work together in the interests of Scottish farming.
“I have already made clear, that should we receive what has now been promised, this funding will be ring-fenced for agriculture. I now call on the UK Government to return this money as soon as possible.”
NFU Scotland (NFUS) president, Andrew McCornick, said: “A fundamental wrong has finally been corrected.
“The £160m represents the biggest single uplift in agricultural funding in memory and is a genuine victory for NFUS lobbying, supported by many other allies.”
He said the union would call an emergency meeting to discuss how it thinks the money should be spent.
Scottish Conservative shadow rural economy secretary, Peter Chapman, said months of patient lobbying had paid off.
