Farmland is an important part of our natural heritage, providing much of our wildlife habitat, landscape interest, recreational and sporting resource. 75% of the land of Scotland is classed as agricultural land. Farming is also at the heart of our rural communities' life. Scottish Natural Heritage encourages the development of economic activities based on a sustainable use of the nature and landscapes. Find out more about the 4 main types of farming in Scotland, and about the links with climate change and the wider community.

Hill farming

Sheep and mixed sheep and beef cattle farming are a prominent feature of hill farming in Scotland.

Arable cropping

The largest farms are found in Lothian and the Borders while smaller more mixed farms are found on the lower slopes of the hills.

Lowland livestock and dairy farming

Farms are mostly found in Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway, the Borders, Orkney, Caithness and parts of Tayside and Grampian.

Crofting

Farmland is an important part of the nature and landscapes of Scotland and provides much of its wildlife habitat, landscape interest, recreational and sporting

Farming and climate change

Changes in temperature and rainfall will change the patterns of Scotland's agricultural land-uses and may lead to more pressure on the land,

Farming & the wider community

Farmland is an important part of the nature and landscapes of Scotland and provides much of its wildlife habitat, landscape interest, recreational and sporting