Last month, we reported on the latest guidance from the Tenant Farming Commissioner on progressing with Tenant Amnesty Agreements in light of the Coronavirus lockdown. The Scottish Parliament has now approved secondary legislation that extends the deadline for completing the tenants’ amnesty process until 12th December 2020. The amnesty extension adds a further 6 months to the current deadline of 12th June 2020.
The extension will bring relief to those who have been concerned about completing the amnesty process in time due to the difficulties caused by not being able to carry out farm visits or hold face to face meetings in the current circumstances. Nevertheless, both tenants and landlords should continue to be proactive about moving forward with their agreements. The additional 6 month period is welcome but the amnesty process can take some time and so all parties would be wise to keep up the current momentum to finalise their agreements. Any tenants who have not yet started the process are being encouraged to do so as soon as possible. The Scottish Tenant Farmers’ Association (STFA) suggests that all parties should prioritise the completion of amnesties and any tenant experiencing difficulties in contacting or receiving a response from their landlord’s agent is asked to inform Bob McIntosh, the Tenant Farming Commissioner and/or the STFA.
For further information and advice on the tenants’ amnesty or any other tenant farming matters, please contact our team.