
1 
This Scheme may be cited as the Farm Business Development (Scotland) Variation Scheme 2005 and shall come into force on 1st June 2005.
2 

(1) The Farm Business Development (Scotland) Scheme 2001 is varied in accordance with this paragraph.
(2) In paragraph 3 (objectives)–
(a) in sub-paragraph (b) omit “or”; and
(b) after sub-paragraph (c) insert–“
 ; or
(d) relate to re-structuring of an eligible business or re-orientation of its agricultural production.”.
(3) After paragraph 3 insert–“
3A. 

(1) The Scottish Ministers may require that an eligible person, who intends to make an application under paragraph 4 in relation to measures in Part III of the Schedule to this Scheme, prepares a business plan in accordance with the following sub paragraphs of this paragraph.
(2) The business plan shall be in writing in such form as the Scottish Ministers reasonably may require and shall include statements of–
(a) the assets and liabilities of the eligible business;
(b) the current viability of the eligible business and proposals for enhancing its current viability; and
(c) the skills and training requirements for the eligible business.
(3) The Scottish Ministers may approve a business plan submitted in accordance with this paragraph.
(4) The Scottish Ministers may pay to an eligible person financial assistance towards the costs of an approved business plan–
(a) if the business plan has been prepared by an independent adviser, at the rate of 50% subject to a maximum payment of £400; or
(b) in any other case, at a fixed amount of £100.”.
(4) In paragraph 4 (applications) at the end of sub paragraph (2) insert–“
(g) a business plan approved under paragraph 3A, if such a plan was required by the Scottish Ministers under paragraph 3A.”.
(5) In paragraph 5 (determination of applications) in sub-paragraph (3)(d) for “Part I” substitute “Parts I and III”.
(6) In paragraph 6 (financial assistance)–
(a) in sub-paragraph (2) for “Part I” substitute “Parts I and III”;
(b) in sub-paragraph (4) for “£25,000” substitute “£30,000”; and
(c) in sub-paragraph (6)(b) for “£30,000” substitute “£35,000”.
(7) At the end of the Schedule (farm business development scheme eligible measures) insert–“
PART III
1. 
Provision or upgrading of–
(a) livestock accommodation;
(b) storage sheds;
(c) provision or improvement of systems for storage and disposal of agricultural waste, where a full waste management plan is agreed and implemented;
(d) electricity supplies;
(e) water supplies;
(f) fanks and dippers;
(g) stock handling facilities for cattle;
(h) hard standings for livestock;
(i) information technology to improve agricultural business effectiveness.
2. 
Training required in order to maximise the benefits of any of the measures listed in paragraph 1 above.”.
ROSS FINNIE
A member of the Scottish Executive
Pentland House, Edinburgh
19th April 2005