New bull hire arrangements for crofters
An independent review group is to be set up to look at ways of helping crofters keep or hire bulls in the future, according to Scottish Environment Minister Michael Russell, who made the announcement after meeting a cross party group of MSPs. In addition there will be two further changes to the new scheme announced by the Government last year, which will retain a hire element this season and provide facilities for overwintering at the end of the season if required.
The decision to end the current scheme came after a recommendation from the Shucksmith Inquiry which had been asked by Mr Russell to look at the issue. The new review group will have access to that report and previous reports which suggested that the scheme needed to close in its current form but it will be free to draw its own conclusions and to seek information and advice wherever it sees fit. The group will report by autumn 2009 and its underlying aim will be to examine the best way crofters can work together to keep quality livestock in Scotland’s remoter rural areas.
Crofters who benefited from the Bull Hire scheme have already been told they can buy a bull this spring from the Crofters Commission for just £500. The Commission will now invite expressions of interest from crofting groups. But those who prefer not to take ownership but wish to continue hiring a bull from the Commission will have the choice of returning their bull to the Commission for overwintering in 2009.
Announcing the review group, Mr Russell said:
"I have listened very carefully to the views expressed in Parliament and to the MSPs and others who have made personal representations to me. These included a cross party delegation consisting of Peter Peacock MSP, Liam MacArthur MSP and Jamie McGrigor MSP which I met at the end of last week. Dr Alasdair Allan MSP and some members of the cross party group on crofting have also talked to me about the matter, including Norman Leask of the Scottish Crofters Foundation.
"Creating the opportunity to look as widely as possible at this issue seemed to me to be the most practical solution and the one which would have the best potential to ensure that the views of all crofters are taken into account.
"Crofters will therefore have the opportunity, via the group, to help decide what should happen. In addition the interim arrangements for the coming year will have more flexibility than had been possible in our first plans.
"I want to ensure that as much consensus as possible informs the future of crofting so that it can contribute fully to the sustainable economic development of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. I hope what I am announcing today will be seen as a useful step forward."
