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'Crofting vision' to be published 'Radical' ideas in crofter report
(1 day later)
A blueprint for supporting the crofting system and encouraging more young people to live in rural areas will be unveiled later. A "radical" blueprint for supporting the crofting system has recommended the industry's governing body, the Crofters Commission, be wound up.
The previous Scottish Executive set up an inquiry which surveyed more than 1,000 people in crofting communities. An inquiry, led by Professor Mark Shucksmith, said Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and a new Federation of Crofting Boards should replace it.
It has also suggested all croft houses should be occupied, as a means to tackle the issue of absentee crofters.
Environment Minister Michael Russell praised the report.
Receiving the report during an event at An Lanntair in Stornoway, Mr Russell said the Shucksmith Committee was asked to consult widely and come up with "radical ideas" on shaping the future of crofting.
He said: "This is precisely what they have done and I congratulate them for it."
'Right mix'
Mr Russell added: "The government will now consider the recommendations of the report carefully and begin its work on a response.
"I look forward to debating the issues in parliament later this week."
The Shucksmith Committee has recommended the setting up of a new federation comprising seven to 10 elected local crofting boards to enforce regulation.
A central executive would supply staff support, finance and other shared services.
Local crofting boards would make decisions at a local level.
Development of crofting would be the responsibility of a new Crofting and Community Development body, which could sit within HIE.
The committee also recommended modernising grazings committees, transforming them into Crofting Township Development Committees.
Meanwhile, it has been suggested to tie all croft houses to residency.
There has been a controversial issue concerning houses being owned by absent crofters who do not live in the properties.
Prof Shucksmith said: "A key theme of our recommendations is empowering crofting communities, through the right mix of support, to take ownership and responsibility for their future."
Nationalist Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan and Highlands and Islands MSP Rob Gibson welcomed what they called the "radical approach" taken by committee.
The previous Scottish Executive set up the inquiry which surveyed more than 1,000 people in crofting communities.
It found that many people feared for the future of the landholding system and small-scale agriculture.It found that many people feared for the future of the landholding system and small-scale agriculture.
The proposals from Professor Martin Shucksmith will form the basis of future government policy on crofting.
Measures may include more help for young people who want their own crofts as well as action against absentee crofters who fail to use their land properly.
There could also be new laws to restrict sales and transfers to ensure that only those who genuinely want to work the land can take over existing crofts.
The inquiry is also likely to lead to a shake-up of the Crofters Commission.
Professor Shucksmith, a rural affairs expert, will present his full findings to Environment Minister Mike Russell in Stornoway.