Scottish government commits to modernising crofting law

NFU Scotland has backed the Scottish government's planned approach to crofting legislation changes
NFU Scotland has backed the Scottish government's planned approach to crofting legislation changes

Farmers and crofters have welcomed the Scottish government's commitment to examining the modernisation of crofting law to make it transparent, understandable and workable.

It follows the Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing's presentation to the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Crofting on Wednesday 28 March.

NFU Scotland have since written to the Scottish Government, outlining their enthusiasm to be part of further consultations on the new Crofting Bill.

In the letter, NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick wrote: “NFUS welcomes the commitment given by Scottish Government to examining the modernisation of crofting law within this Parliamentary session to make it transparent, understandable and workable.

“We recognise that this desire to make legislative changes in this parliamentary term is still dependent on approval by the Cabinet, but we would urge the Cabinet to support this urgent need for crofting law reform to sort out the immediate and pressing anomalies and difficulties with the current crofting legislation that is making it unworkable in some instances.”

Among calls being made are that any new plan should fit with the "reality of modern crofting practices", and be relevant to the "needs and aspirations" of crofters and those who wish to be involved in crofting.

NFU Scotland said it will work with Scottish Government on the development of the promised National Development Plan for Crofting.

Mr McCornick added: “It is my view that this is an essential piece of work that needs to be developed to inform any further legislative and policy changes.

“NFUS would also like to work with Scottish Government and the Crofting Commission to develop the Commission’s role in better equipping crofters with the up-to-date information on schemes and projects that they need.”