National Farmers' Union of Scotland : 13 January 16 - Union Support for a Vibrant Crofting Sector

Article date:

13 January 2016

News Article Number:

09/16

Welcome for Ministerial meeting on crofting

NFU Scotland's crofting representatives have welcomed a positive meeting with Crofting Minister Aileen McLeod in the Scottish Parliament yesterday (12 January).

The Union delegation included Vice President Andrew McCornick; Crofting Highlands and Islands Committee chairman Sandy Murray, Policy Director Jonnie Hall and policy lead Lucy Sumsion.

With the Union's crofting membership increasing to almost 800, and the Union a key member of the Scottish Government's Crofting Stakeholder Forum, the delegation was keen to discuss with the Minister how to improve the opportunities that exist for crofters and the ways to develop our traditional and important crofting systems to ensure they are fit for purpose in the 21st century.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Murray, a crofter from Sutherland said: 'For the well-being of some of our more remote, rural and island communities, it is in all our interests to see a vibrant crofting sector, to identify what opportunities can be created for crofters and to develop a crofting system that is fit for purpose in the 21st century.

'Production remains at its heart and we need active crofters making active use of the land and ensuring that it is productive. Whilst the legislative framework sits behind crofting policy, we need to ensure that the wider agricultural policies and support systems are in place to make that happen and create the opportunities for crofters.

'Identification of a body to take the lead on crofting development may help make the progress that we want to see in the sector.

'To future proof crofting, we discussed with the Minister the need to simplify the legislation that surrounds the sector and ways that we can encourage new entrants into crofting while, at the same time, helping those contemplating retirement.

'With a number of challenges to current cash flows, we raised concerns that some of our crofting members have regarding the way they can access the Crofting Agricultural Grants Scheme (CAGS) and affordable advisory support. A fresh look at how crofters are made aware of available support measures, and the application procedures, may be beneficial.

'On the need to increase the availability of affordable housing in crofting areas, we welcomed the Minister's review of the Croft House Grant Scheme and look forward to the forthcoming announcement from the Minister on the detail of the new scheme.

'We also discussed woodland on croft land and the need to ensure that any new woodland planting is appropriate and that issues, such as deer management and maintaining a critical mass of livestock producers and the capacity for livestock production within a crofting community is maintained.

'It was also an opportunity to remind the Minister about the growing impact of Sea Eagle predation on crofting flocks. In some crofting areas, crofters have stopped keeping sheep while, in others, Scottish Natural Heritage's promotion and delivery of the Sea Eagle Action Plan is increasingly important. Experience with Sea Eagles meant that our crofting members were particularly keen that we impressed on the Minister our complete opposition to any introduction of top line predators such as lynx.

'All-in-all, it was a very positive meeting and we thank the Minister for her time.'

Ends

Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006