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Views sought by Scottish Government on proposed crofting reform





Views are being sought on proposed crofting reform. Picture: DGS
Views are being sought on proposed crofting reform. Picture: DGS

The aim is to create opportunities for new entrants, encourage the active management and use of crofts and common grazings, and support rural population.

A programme of meetings will take place from July 3 to August 15 in venues across the Highlands and Islands from Oban to Shetland.

The consultation, which runs until September 2, seeks views on a range of proposals to ensure the crofting system supports effective and sustainable land use.

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Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: “Crofting has a special place in the cultural heritage of Scotland, and we want it to play its part in our future too.

“We want to ensure that legislation enables and supports the sustainability of crofting, crofters and crofting communities, while allowing for modernisation, innovation, diversification and adaptation to help meet today’s and tomorrow’s climate and environmental challenges.

“Crofting’s place in agriculture and food production will remain at the heart of the system, but alongside these we now see crofting playing an increasing role in tourism, renewable energy generation, forestry, peatland restoration, beekeeping and small-scale horticulture production.

“The consultation proposals range from relatively small technical changes to significant innovations and I would encourage everyone with an interest to respond to the consultation or come to one of the meetings if they are able.”

To view the consultation online and event information go to Crofting Consultation 2024. Booking is not required.

All events take place betwee 7pm and 9pm except Tiree (15pm to 7pm):

3 July - Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness

4 July - The Park Hotel, Thurso

9 July - Macphail Centre, Ullapool

11 July - Kinlochbervie Village Hall

17 July - Portree Community Centre, Skye

18 July - Lairg Community Centre

22 July - Mid-Yell Hall, Yell

23 July - Mareel, Lerwick

29 July - Spean Bridge Community Centre (Village Hall)

30 July - Muthu Hotel, Oban

31 July - An Talla, Tiree

12 August - Caladh Inn, Stornoway

13 August - Talla Na Mara, Harris

14 August - An Caladh, Balivanich, Benbecula

15 August - Barra Learning Centre, Castlebay


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