Environment Minister Michael Russell has announced proposals aimed at developing crofting communities, in response to the final report from the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting. Some of the government’s proposals do not go as far as those set out in the Committee of Inquiry’s report. For example, the Committee called for the abolition of the Crofters Commission, but the government proposes a reconstituting of the organisation. Speaking in Parliament Mr Russell said, “I believe that empowering crofters to take decisions about crofting is central to securing the future of the sector. By reforming the Crofters Commission to make it more democratic and accountable we will return power to those who know what is best for crofting and their communities. One of the priorities of this Government is to support and develop rural communities and I feel today’s proposals will do exactly that. Crofting makes a unique and significant contribution to remote rural areas through economic, social and environmental benefits and has a pivotal role in the world famous cultural landscape of the Highlands and Islands.”

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3 October 2008
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