Nominations open for Scottish crofting elections

Candidates for the March Crofting Commission elections can now be put forward
Candidates for the March Crofting Commission elections can now be put forward

The process of nominating crofting candidates opens today, with Scotland’s 16,000 crofters able to put forward candidates or stand themselves for election to the Commission’s board as commissioners.

The Commission regulates and promotes the interests of crofting. March’s postal election is to elect commissioners from the six crofting constituencies: East Highlands, Orkney and Caithness, Shetland, South West Highlands, West Highlands and Western Isles.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity Fergus Ewing said the Scottish Government wants to ensure a 'strong and vibrant' future for crofting.

He said: “The Crofting Commission is crucial to this, through its work on developing crofting, being an effective regulator and providing a voice for the concerns of crofters.

“It is vital to have a Commission made up of people who represent and reflect the interests and diversity of Scotland’s crofting community. To achieve that, we need people with a commitment to ensuring a long term future for crofting to stand for election or to nominate people they believe have the qualities to be an effective commissioner. It’s also important all crofters make their voices heard by voting in March’s election.”

Commissioners are accountable for the Commission’s overall performance and set the Commission’s direction and policies on regulatory matters that affect crofters. They also work with other bodies with an interest in crofting.

The Commission’s board can have up to nine commissioners. Six are elected by crofters, and the remainder appointed by Scottish Ministers. The Commission is the only public body in Scotland with a majority of board members elected by the people they serve.

The deadline for returning nominations is Thursday 26 January and the deadline for returning ballot papers is Thursday 16 March. Results will be announced on 17 March.