Fair pay for work done is the most important message the Scottish Crofting Foundation want to get across to Crofting Minister Michael Russell before he makes his response to the final report from the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting. Although many welcomed the inquiry and its radical report, some of its recommendations came under fire. The Scottish Crofting Foundation have sent a summary of its members’ responses to Michael Russell following an extensive series of meetings. SCF Chair Neil MacLeod said “It is projected that the Minister will make his response to the Shucksmith Final Report at the beginning of October so we have consulted with our membership widely in order to get views to the minister to help him to give an informed response. The most important thing is that there has to be fair pay for work done. It is said again and again that no matter what regulations are in place a crofter can not croft unless there is a fair return. A crofter’s first responsibility is to provide a livelihood for the family. We all want to see new entrants into crofting but they, like existing crofters, need to pay their bills. You can download the full report at: www.ruralgateway.org.uk/download/2454/Crofting-inquiry-final-report.pdf

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24 September 2008
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