Mixed reaction to Crofting reforms

It has welcomed the significant improvements since the draft publication in May 2009, but has highlighted the need for the Bill to better tackle key issues such as croft abandonment and neglect.

The union’s Crofting, Highlands and Islands Working Group chairwoman Jo Durno said the Bill was aimed at helping reverse the decline of crofting and ensuring it continued to contribute to sustainable economic growth in remote rural areas, but, while it was an improvement on last year’s draft, there were still areas of concern.

“The purpose of the Bill should be to ensure the Commission can take effective action to ensure crofts are actively managed, tackling the issue of neglect first rather than absenteeism on its own.

“The primary aim must be one of ensuring active management of crofts rather than determining who should be doing the crofting.”

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