BBC Scotland understands a fine is unlikely if the Scottish government delivers 90% of farm payments on time.

BBC Scotland understands a fine is unlikely if the Scottish government delivers 90% of farm payments on time.
Argyll and Bute Council warns the public not to eat shellfish from the area.
The men threatened four people in a Kilmarnock house during the raid on Thursday evening.
The buyers say they plan to restore the delicatessen brand Peckham's "to its former glories'.
The 27-year-old is accused of murdering Kirk Cole and putting a knife in his hand to make him look like he was armed.
A man in his 40s suffered a puncture wound to his face during the incident in Cambuslang at 09:00.
Edrington says its annual results were "impacted significantly" by the fall in the value of sterling.
The 27-year-old filmed the outburst about Scott Sinclair on his mobile phone in a Glasgow pub.
A selection of your pictures of Scotland sent in between 23 and 30 June.
A 69-year-old woman was allegedly threatened during the housebreaking in Giffnock in April.
A concrete door post and the actions of passers-by helped to avert a major tragedy at Glasgow Airport.
The members of the public who tackled the Glasgow Airport attackers stopped a major tragedy.
The 27-year-old man is held in connection with the death of a man at a flat in Crookston, Glasgow.
Celtic complete the signing of midfielder Kundai Benyu from Ipswich Town on a four-year contract
Kilmarnock continue their recruitment for the new season with the signing of left-back Calum Waters from Alloa.
NHS Lanarkshire says some operations had to be rescheduled and one emergency patient moved to a different hospital.
The 24-year-old suffered a serious head injury when he was deliberately run over in Pollok on Sunday.
Alistair Watson's colleagues pay tribute to a "towering figure" in local politics who died aged 59.
The history buffs behind a popular Facebook page share their favourite images of the city in a gallery.
The 23-year-old victim was struck by a Mercedes before being attacked by a passenger from the car.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers' son Anton features as a trialist during the friendly win over BW Linz in Austria.
The court will give a binding verdict on whether Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs) broke tax rules.
The SYFA has not dealt with dozens of youth football coaches who were flagged as potential dangers.
The 30-year-old had denied driving while more than twice the legal limit in his home town of Paisley.
He tells a trial how he saved her life by pulling her from the path of a speeding car in Glasgow.
Barrie McKay will not feature for Rangers in Thursday's Europa League first qualifying round first leg with Progres Niedercorn.
Experts want to ensure cladding meets the "highest standards of fire safety" following the Grenfell tragedy.
Two women and a man were in the property in the north east of Glasgow when the incident happened.
The King Robert the Bruce golf course - formerly the Kintyre Course - has been redesigned and upgraded.
Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday is close to completing a season-long loan move to Azerbaijani outfit Gabala.
Paolo Nutini was arrested in February after a witness told police he saw him order a vodka before driving.
Scotland striker Steven Naismith says Norwich team-mate Graham Dorrans would be a great capture for Rangers.
Assistant manager Chris Davies dismisses comments made by Rangers chairman Dave King and focuses on Celtic's search for improvement.
The man who patented the first bank cash machine did not get the credit for his achievement for years.
Police say the boy is being treated in hospital but his injures are not thought to be life-threatening.
The review was ordered after a BBC investigation revealed six "unnecessary" deaths at Crosshouse Hospital.
A Greenpeace crew investigated the impact of "plastic pollution" around Scotland's coastline.
The Scottish government aims to eradicate Hepatitis C by 2030 despite 1,800 new infections a year.
The slowest speeds in the UK are experienced in three Scottish local authority areas, Which? says.
The men are accused of repeatedly striking two officers with a car in the Drumchapel area of Glasgow.
Police are investigating a series of attacks which resulted in a man being treated in hospital for a facial injury.
William Burns had only recently been freed from prison when he attacked the journalist at his Glasgow home.
Glasgow researchers examine whether the technique could be used to improve the lives of people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Luna is thought to have got into a tourist's car that was driven on to a ferry bound for the Western Isles.
The 28-year-old is being treated in hospital as police carry out investigations into the incident.
Owen Coyle tried to sign Stuart Armstrong last year and says the Celtic midfielder's value has gone up "four, five, six times"...
Glasgow City all but end Celtic's Scottish Women's Premier League title hopes with a 2-0 win at the K Park in East Kilbride.
Police say a black cab was deliberately driven at a man who is now critically injured.
Police are treating the attack in Glasgow by masked men armed with knives as attempted murder.
Police say the fire which broke out in Main Street, Alexandria, was started deliberately.
Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson believes the club's new signings will need to "get up to pace pretty quick".
Three teens share their experiences of being treated for cancer at a pivotal time in their lives.
Officials in Glasgow will impound commercial waste bins left on the street outside designated times.
Young defender Daniel Higgins and experienced midfielder Alan Power join Kilmarnock on two-year contracts.
Celtic say they will not take supporters to the potential Champions League qualifier against Linfield in Belfast amid security concerns.
More than 27% of flights to and from the capital faced delays of at least 15 minutes in the past year.
The Unite union called for a "decent pay increase" and "harmonisation of pay" between sites in Paisley and Dumbarton.
A 49-year-old man is charged over possessing weapons and explosives at a house in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire.
The 36-year-old man who died is believed to have been in the house with a friend, police said.
A 38-year-old man appears in court charged with knocking down a police officer and failing to stop.
No local authority or housing association high rise flats in Scotland have Grenfell Tower cladding.
Schoolchildren from across Glasgow came together for the unveiling of the logo for the Royal National Mòd 2019.
Fans' group Club 1872 and businessman Julian Wolhardt each invest £1m to buy shares from Mike Ashley's MASH Holdings Limited.
The two men are accused of assaulting a crime journalist outside his Glasgow home in December 2015.
The body of Janet McKay, who had dementia, was found in Clydebank eight days after she went missing.
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson is appointed honorary Colonel of her old Army regiment.
The child is in a serious condition in hospital following the incident in the Summerston area of Glasgow.
The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to face and body injuries sustained in the attack.
The 32-year-old is accused of attacking another man with a knife in Possilpark before fleeing to England.
A selection of your pictures of Scotland sent in between 16 and 23 June.
Munsterlander Eva's limb was saved after it was broken when the dog was hit by a car.
Rangers complete the signings of Mexican pair Carlos Pena and Eduardo Herrera on three-year contracts.
Barnsley sign defender Liam Lindsay from Partick Thistle for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract.
Celtic's potential Champions League qualifier with Irish Premiership champions Linfield is pencilled in for Friday 14 July at Windsor Pa...
Mark Ellis attacked his 10-year-old victim during a series of incidents in South Lanarkshire.
Police seek witnesses after a body is found in the premises in the Crookston area of Glasgow.
A bid to scrap a controversial law aimed at tackling sectarian behaviour at football is lodged at Holyrood.
The comedian and actor, who will be 75 this year, was recognised for his contribution to society.
The list of 49 buildings range from private homes to large buildings for public institutions.
A 49-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the seizure in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire.
A 38-year-old man is arrested after a car was allegedly driven at the officer in East Kilbride.
Explosives experts and police officers attend the address at Blantyre in South Lanarkshire.
Former Celtic and Oldham player Chris Killen was warned he could be jailed.
He tells the trial that the alleged victim is "incapable of telling the truth about anything."
Rangers announce a new merchandising deal with Sports Direct, which replaces the arrangement they had in place with Mike Ashley's compan...
Rangers sign 20-year-old Colombian striker Alfredo Morelos from HJK Helsinki on a three-year contract.
Linfield and SP La Fiorita will vie for a Champions League second round qualifier against Celtic, while The New Saints play Europa in the fi...
In Europa League qualifying, Rangers play Luxembourg's Progres Niederkorn, St Johnstone face Lithuania's Trakai and Aberdeen may fac...
Jonny Hayes made the decision to leave Aberdeen after being sold on a move by Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.
Club captain and long-serving midfielder Keith Lasley retires from playing to become Motherwell assistant manager.
Motherwell sign up goalkeeper Russell Griffiths following his period on loan from Everton last season.
Rangers name Manchester City academy director Mark Allen as the club's director of football.
Partick Thistle accept a bid from Barnsley for centre-back Liam Lindsay, who last week decided not to join Oxford United.
Linfield's first meeting with Celtic could be held on 11 July in Belfast - if the Blues reach the second Champions League qualifying rou...
Scott Sinclair believes Celtic can repeat their unbeaten domestic season and says the club are "much stronger" than a year ago.
He is found guilty of two attempted murders and two assault charges after carrying out four knife attacks over two days.
The 30 turbines will be installed at a site about three miles off the south-west coast of the island.
Police Scotland say a 23-year-old man is in custody in connection with the alleged attack on a 21-year-old woman.
The case against the men was dismissed after a judge ruled there was insufficient evidence.
A union accuses ScotRail of ignoring an increase in abuse directed at staff at Hamilton Central Railway Station.
Officers no longer believe a mental health patient was carrying a knife when he disappeared in Dumfries.
The centre would cost £2.36m annually but could help cut NHS costs and reduce drug deaths.
The 57-year-old denies carrying out sex attacks on a young player in 1991 when he was aged around 10.
The ex-business secretary says he has the experience and energy to succeed Tim Farron.
Local authorities with tower blocks over 18m confirm that they do not use the cladding linked to the London fire.
Rod Mackenzie is taking up the role as the public body tries to move away from a public row with crofters.
A 40-year-old father-of-four was killed in the assault at a house in Airdrie in North Lanarkshire.
The 20-year-old stabbed and strangled a pensioner in his home in Pollokshields in Glasgow.
The health board plans to put the running of Dumbarton Health Centre out to bids from other local GPs.
The three million euro offshore wind research programme is thought to be the largest of its kind.
The bank is expanding its global risk operations in Edinburgh and customer contact centre in Hamilton.
Harris Binotti, from Dumfries, is wanted by the Burmese authorities after the death of another British man.
Police in New Zealand discovered images in a paedophile chat group posted by the 30-year-old from Renfrew.
BBC Weather Watchers captured some spectacular images of the late evening sky on Monday.
Fifty organisations secure the funding to help people and communities "overcome challenging circumstances".
The 1874 listed building, the first theatre in Argyll, had fallen into disrepair and lay unused for decades.
Campaigners want action after the "unnecessary" deaths of six babies at Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock.
Investigations are continuing after the device was found in a recycling centre in Greenock.
A taxi driver admits causing the death of a pensioner, after failing to spot him on a road in Dunoon.
The 57-year-old is accused of killing a man at his home in the Castlemilk area of Glasgow.
A 30-year-old man is being treated for serious injuries following an incident in Maryhill on Saturday.
The judge's wildcard beat 20 young classical singers to win the Cardiff Trophy and £15,000 prize.
The Crimewatch Roadshow appeal to trace her killer comes 12 years after her body was found.
MB Aerospace, which is based in Motherwell, will provide flight engine parts to a US company.
Police said the incident in Glasgow's Maryhill involved between six and 10 men and women carrying weapons.
Partick Thistle's Liam Lindsay has decided against joining Oxford United due to uncertainty over their manager's future.
One man was treated for concussion at the scene of the blaze in the Knightswood area of Glasgow.
The first minister says people have a responsibility 'not to let extremists divide us'.
Championship side Ipswich Town sign striker Joe Garner from Rangers for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal.
Airdrieonians announce head coach Mark Wilson has left the Scottish League One club "by mutual consent".
Midfielder Ryan Christie will return to Aberdeen on a season's loan from Celtic after a successful initial spell at Pittodrie.
Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha is likely to field a starting side that contains only three players from last season.
The former Scotland Under-21s manager Billy Stark takes up the role of manager of Lowland League club East Kilbride.
Glasgow comedian Billy Connolly receives a knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.
Tennis coach is joined by JK Rowling and Emeli Sande in Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Campaigners defiant after education secretary turns down community bid to run St Joseph's in Milngavie.
People living in tower blocks are told precautions are in place to protect their homes from fire.
The man fell from a balcony in the Glasgow shopping centre at about 13:45, police said.
The world's last sea-going paddle steamer entered service, sailing from the Clyde, in June 1947.
A selection of your pictures of Scotland sent in between 9 and 16 June.
Scotland's new MPs find their feet at Westminster in their first week at work.
Scottish nurse Pauline Cafferkey returns to Sierra Leone for the first time since contracting Ebola there.
Partick Thistle accept an offer from Oxford United for Liam Lindsay and the defender will hold talks with the League One club.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde say the service model at Lightburn Hospital no longer fits with modern healthcare.
Celtic have reached an agreement with Aberdeen for the signing of winger Jonny Hayes, subject to a medical.
Celtic, Porto and Nice are among 12 clubs vying to sign Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts.
New Rangers arrival Ryan Jack insists he is relishing the challenge of facing former club Aberdeen next season.
The 17-year-old is alleged to have caused the death by assaulting his heavily pregnant partner in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.
Partick Thistle sign Blair Spittal on a two-year deal after the 21-year-old winger leaves Dundee United.
Michael O'Hanlon died from massive blood loss after being stabbed four times by Steven Kirkwood.
The east end building, which has lain empty since the 1990s, is to be used as a local enterprise centre.
Local authorities in Scotland are to review fire procedures and some materials used in tower blocks.
The residents of about 150 homes near Stepps, who currently fall under Glasgow City, could become North Lanarkshire residents.
A network of indie galleries, clubs, restaurants and bars has created a robust creative scene in Scotland’s largest city, where talent is al...
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has announced 12 winners for its 2017 awards.
Latest technology may shed new light on The Lady in a Fur Wrap, a painting that has divided opinion.
Eleven-year-old Grace Tedeschi stopped speaking for a year - but engages with the world through her drum kit.
Karen Young's body was found by police after they were called to a property in Port Glasgow, Inverclyde.
Celtic's Scott Allan joins Dundee on a season-long loan, with fellow midfielder Roarie Deacon also moving to Dens Park.
Hearts reject an offer from Rangers for attacker Jamie Walker, who has entered the final year of his contract at Tynecastle.
A man blamed for a murder bid outside a primary school tells a jury he was at a spa when the shooting took place.
Rangers have had a second bid for midfielder Graham Dorrans turned down by Norwich City.
Motherwell's fifth summer signing Andy Rose praises manager Stephen Robinson's "vision" for the Premiership outfit.
A project to improve Scotland's busiest rail line is held up a further three months, a Holyrood committee hears.
The deal will expand operations in Indonesia for the Glasgow-based temporary power provider.
Letitia Wright, who appeared in the BBC drama inspired by real-life events, is the Marvel movie's warrior Shuri.
The Department of Transport statistics reveal most coastguard helicopter taskings were in the Highlands and Islands.
A 16-year-old is charged in connection with drug offences following the death of Zoe Bremner.
The multi-sport event will be the biggest held in Scotland since the 2014 Commonwealth games.
Police said the piece of machinery, worth about £250,000, was deliberately set on fire.
New York's education authority grants much-delayed status to the Glasgow Caledonian campus.
A parent tells a trial he froze and did not see the attacker's face in an incident outside a school in Bishopbriggs.
Caledonian MacBrayne says the MV Isle of Arran will be out of action for at least another week.
Police want to speak to two women seen near the area where an 18-year-old was attacked in Paisley.
The new role involves helping to lead the public agency's work with businesses and communities.
A man is jailed for fraud after a trial lasting 20 months and hearing 320 days of evidence.
A 35-year-old man appears in court following an incident in which a controlled explosion is carried out.
The drugs extend the lives of kidney cancer sufferers by several months compared with existing treatments.
A report on an Ayrshire maternity hospital finds inconsistencies in the way significant adverse events are handled.
The mother of a Glasgow soldier who was killed in Iraq in 2004 is recognised for her campaigning.
Zoe Bremner, 14, died in Glasgow at the weekend after becoming ill, along with two other teenagers.
Glasgow and Aberdeen airports both report a strong rise in international passenger numbers in May.
A not-for-profit community enterprise is granted powers to manage the facilities on behalf of residents and businesses on Mull.
The demonstration in George Square condemned the recent terror attacks in Manchester and London.
The 35-year-old left his home to help a woman who was involved in a fight with a man, but they both turned on him.
The teenager died in Cowcaddens in Glasgow and two others were taken to hospital after falling ill.
The giant portraits of the Big Yin have been created in his native Glasgow to mark his 75th birthday.
The 23-year-old victim is in a serious but stable condition in hospital after the Glasgow attack.
Thirteen people were arrested in and around Hampden after the World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
A man carrying what appeared to be a firearm also threatened two members of staff at the Rutherglen shop.
Police say there was nothing to suggest a blast near Paisley town centre was terror-related.
The controversial scheme would allow drug users in Glasgow to self-inject safely and under supervision.
The man is being treated for life threatening injuries following the incident in Glasgow city centre.
Sargassum muticum, which occurs naturally in Japan and China, can starve native plant species of sunlight.
A selection of your pictures of Scotland sent in between 2 and 9 June.
A witness tells the trial of two men accused of attempted murder how the the bangs sounded like fireworks.
Former Lib Dem minister Jo Swinson made a dramatic return to Westminster after ousting the SNP's John Nicholson.
Find out what time the 2017 general election results in Scotland will be called.
The 30-year-old is being treated for serious head injuries after being airlifted to hospital in Glasgow.
A 37-year-old man dies after his car strikes the wall of a house in South Ayrshire.
A 60-year-old delivery driver is jailed for killing a motorist who was changing a tyre on the M74.
William McKinlay was left in a urine-soaked chair with a circle drawn around it, his daughter says.
The centre in Finnieston, which will also house a food market and cafe, has been approved by Glasgow City Council.
A 28-year-old man is in hospital after being attacked in the Pollock area of Glasgow on Wednesday.
Gary Brown is due at Paisley Sheriff Court over the death of Alyson Watt and an attack on a 16-year-old boy.
The girl died in hospital after being found in a home strewn with dirty nappies and drug paraphernalia.
One of the men accused of an acid attack on a journalist was under police surveillance, a court hears.
Motor Sport Association say an Act of Parliament that permits the event had resulted in the difficulties for 2017.
Police say a major security operation is in place to protect key events in Scotland over the coming days.
Commuters face long queues for replacement bus services from Paisley into the city.
Craig Whyte was the only man to face a jury but does he shoulder sole blame for the humbling of Rangers?
Where have Scotland's political leaders been going and what does that tell us about their campaigns?
The SFA considers pursuing the former Rangers owner Craig Whyte for a fine of £200,000 for bringing the game into disrepute.
Six years after his ill-fated takeover of Rangers, Craig Whyte is cleared of fraud at the High Court.
A neighbour of a journalist who had acid thrown in his face tells a court he saw the accused pinned to the ground.
A millionaire is sentenced to two years in prison after admitting attacks on his partner spanning almost a decade.
Former chairman Alastair Johnston has agreed to join the board of Rangers International Football Club.
The six-week trial shed light on his takeover of one of Scotland's biggest football clubs.
The move follows Flybe's decision to end its current franchise agreement with Loganair at the end of August.
Craig Whyte is acquitted of using Rangers' own money for the takeover while claiming the funds were his.
Jury consider verdict after six-week fraud trial of former Rangers owner.
The Scottish FA say additional security will also be in place, including bag and body searches at the stadium.
The crime writer was giving evidence at the trial of two men who deny targeting him in Glasgow in December 2015.
The judge addresses jurors as they prepare to retire to consider a verdict in the trial of former Rangers owner Craig Whyte.
A trial by the University of Glasgow finds gaming could help people gain "graduate attributes".
Affected services include trains from Glasgow to Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Alloa, Dunblane, Dundee, Inverness and Perth.
Wind and solar power provided enough electricity for most Scottish homes during the month of May.
Officers working on the case say they have uncovered "several items" in a search of woodland near Roberton.
Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson reveals his delight at finally signing Burundi international Gael Bigirimana.
Alyson Watt died and a teenager was critically injured in an attack in Paisley on Friday.
Richard Foster believes new signing Ryan Jack will offer the Rangers defence the protection they lacked last season.
East Kilbride beat ENC Onyx 65-40 to win netball's Scottish Cup final for the fourth successive year.
Manager Jack Ross is expected to sign a new, improved contract with St Mirren despite being a target for Dundee.
The 36-year-old is in hospital after being struck by the lorry as he crossed Shettleston Road in Glasgow.
Scottish politicians are on the campaign trail with just five days to go until the general election.
Benni McCarthy says his former Porto team-mate Bruno Alves is the right man to improve Pedro Caixinha's Rangers.
Celtic are one of a number of clubs interested in Aberdeen's Republic of Ireland winger, Jonny Hayes.
Interim boss Lee McCulloch willbe confirmed as the manager of Kilmarnock at the beginning of next week.
The organisers said they believed about 17,000 people took part in the event in Glasgow.
Motherwell sign Alex Fisher from Inverness CT and Gael Bigirimana from Coventry City, while assistant manager James McFadden leaves the club...
Dundee and Dundee United are drawn in the same section for next season's Scottish League Cup group stages.
Striker Steven Naismith says Scottish football will suffer without a credible challenge to Celtic's domestic supremacy.
Mexico midfielder Carlos Pena is in Glasgow ahead of his proposed move to Rangers from Chivas Guadalajara.
Rhona Weir, who was 97, was described as an "inspiration" and a "determined woman with the biggest heart".
An Edinburgh-based writer dedicates her pet-friendly Scottish travel blog to her West Highland Terrier called Casper.
A 50-year-old man is understood to have been taken to hospital following an incident in Paisley.
Police said the 18-year-old woman was seriously sexually assaulted by a man seen with her in the area.
A man remains in hospital after being attacked by a gang with knives who then tried to run him over.
Defence QC Donald Findlay says the former Rangers owner is the "fall guy" in an "unfair and unjustified" case.
A selection of your pictures of Scotland sent in between 26 May and 2 June.
The three-day-old animal was spotted by a dog walker after falling into the River Clyde.
John Smith was last seen walking near a village golf course on Tuesday evening on the Isle of Arran.
It is understood that the social media post featured an outburst about Celtic footballer Scott Sinclair.
Police are keen to speak to a female driver who stopped to help the man after he came off his bike.
Prosecutor Alex Prentice QC says Craig Whyte used money he was not entitled to for the Rangers takeover.
The new and extended facilities will be venues for the Glasgow 2018 European Championships, says council.
Sir Edwin Landseer's iconic painting will visit Inverness, Perth, Paisley and Kirkcudbright.
A 36-year-old man who attacked his partner at her flat in Cardonald, Glasgow, is jailed for almost five years.
But administrators say 249 jobs were saved after it sold part of Land Engineering's business to another firm.
Drivers face tailbacks as cattle make it onto the eastbound carriageway in North Lanarkshire.
Original designer says he is concerned about repair plan for the Category A-listed museum.
Achmelvich in the Highlands and Southerness in Dumfries and Galloway are among the most highly-rated.