Rural charity RSABI has pledged £130,000 in support to help wet weather-stricken Orkney farmers and crofters transport straw to the islands.
The charity, which provides financial assistance to those who have relied on the land, will fund half the cost of haulage costs for straw through its Help for Straw Haulage fund.
“RSABI has recognised the crisis emerging for Orkney farmers and crofters following a prolonged period of exceptional weather. The Trustees have therefore made an additional £130,000 available to meet up to 50% of the haulage costs of straw to those farmers and crofters who find themselves short of straw and facing hardship due to these additional costs either now or in the near future,” said the charity’s chief executive, Nina Clancy.
“Many parts of Scotland have been effected by poor weather this year but the impact on Orkney farmers and crofters has been particularly harsh. Cattle have been sold early, the quantity and quality of silage is poor and it is estimated that the harvest will be at least 30% back on last year even if the weather holds.”
She said the cost of transporting straw to the islands was substantial with an average load costing between £2,000 and £2,500 – half of which was the haulage cost.
“In a normal year around 30 loads are brought in but this year 120 loads are booked with another 100 in the pipeline,” added Ms Clancy.
Applications to the fund are confidential and the funds will be paid on completion of an application form.
Payment is made if it is shown that there is a need for the straw and the farmer and family could face hardship as a result.
RSABI stressed the straw fund was in addition to the charity’s normal help for farmers and crofters, and urged anyone who was facing hardship, feeling stressed or worried about paying bills to call the charity’s confidential helpline.
The helpline, which can be reached on 0300 111 4166 – is open every day of the year between 7am and 11pm.
Ms Clancy said: “We are keeping a close eye on the effects of the weather in other parts of the country and I should like to reiterate that those in need of assistance from elsewhere in Scotland are always encouraged to come forward for help.”
She said financial grants were available for all Scottish farmers and crofters facing hardship this winter.