Farmers and other land users in Ayrshire are being encouraged to join the rush for a share of the £1.6bn Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP).

Since the SRDP's Rural Priorities scheme was launched in April, more than 1,500 ideas to improve rural communities have been submitted.

At the Scottish Agricultural College at Auchincruive today, farmers can learn more about how to access the funding.

The open day is set to form the basis of future events around Scotland for potential applicants.

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Ahead of the event, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said: "The Scotland Rural Development Programme is worth a total of £1.6bn up to 2013 and will transform rural communities and the industries that support them.

"As part of the Programme, earlier this year we launched the £800m Rural Priorities scheme. And with more than 1500 Statements of Intent having been submitted, it is already attracting huge interest.

"However, we must not sit on our laurels and I want to ensure potential applicants are aware of how to apply and the benefits they could reap.

"The Ayr open day will give rural businesses and communities in the area the chance to hear more and access advice on their applications.

"There will be the chance to informally discuss their ideas, speak to specialists and see demonstrations of good practice, all of which will help them take advantage of what SRDP offers."

(GK/JM)