Plan for new crofting areas is welcomed

Published on Monday 6 October 2008 21:44

THE Scottish Government yesterday paved the way for the creation of crofts outside the seven traditional crofting counties for the first time.

At present, crofting is unique to Shetland, Orkney, Caithness, Sutherland, Ross-shire, Inverness-shire and Argyll.

But after a consultation last year, it was announced yesterday that Arran, Bute, Greater and Little Cumbrae and parts of Moray are to be designated new crofting areas.

The plans were largely welcomed to help meet demand for crofts and provide housing to sustain populations in some of the most remote parts of the country.

Michael Russell, the environment minister, said: "We want to see inclusive and dynamic crofting communities, and the designation of new crofting areas will aid the sustainable economic growth of these areas."

Mr Russell, who was attending the Highlands and Islands Convention in Inverness, also challenged public bodies to release more land for crofting.

Drew Ratter, the chairman of the Crofters Commission, said the creation of crofts and a purge on absenteeism to free up land could see 500 people come into crofting in two to three years.