THE clock is ticking on the deadline for submitting this year’s single application form and rural secretary Fergus Ewing has urged farmers not to wait until the last minute.

Said Mr Ewing: “With only a week to go, I would strongly urge farmers, crofters and land managers to submit their form before the midnight on May 15 deadline.

“As in previous years, we expect to see a late surge in applications during the last week of the deadline. So far 9569 single application forms have been received, which is similar to application numbers at the same point last year," said Mr Ewing.

“For those who have yet to submit an application, I would encourage you to do so online. The online system has been specifically designed to make the process simple.

“Applications are automatically checked for errors, which reduces the risk of problems with payments and financial penalties. The system also enables farmers and land managers to access and update their information at a touch of a button.”