Croft commission is saved from the axe

Published on Wednesday 1 October 2008 22:45

THE Crofters' Commission is to be radically reformed, after more than 50 years, following the Scottish Government's decision to reject advice to axe the organisation.

The development role will now be transferred to Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

A committee of inquiry into crofting, led by rural policy expert Professor Mark Shucksmith, recommended earlier this year the commission should be wound up.

But Michael Russell, minister for the environment, told Parliament yesterday the commission will be retained in a more democratic and accountable form.

Under the new set-up, six area committees will have a majority of elected crofters plus a local authority representative.

Mr Russell also moved to end speculation of croft land for second homes in rural areas. He said the government is considering imposing an occupancy condition on housing built on land taken out of crofting tenure.

Prof Shucksmith had recommended a residency "burden" which would have meant all croft houses had to have a resident crofter.

The plan outraged many crofters, who argued it would significantly reduce the value of houses and crofts.

Mr Russell now proposes that houses built on part of the croft are used for local occupancy but not for second homes.

He also wants more effort to tackle absenteeism and the creation of new crofts. There will also be a review of support for crofting and croft housing.

A draft crofting bill will now go out to consultation next spring.

Prof Shucksmith said he was pleased the government had accepted the essence of his proposals.

Patrick Krause, the chief executive of the Scottish Crofting Foundation, said he was pleased overall with the plans but more detail is still required.