Consultation begins on new crofting areas
19 Dec 07
Government seeks views on extension of crofting tenure to rest of Highlands, and Arran
A consultation on proposals to extend crofting to areas outside the traditional crofting counties began today.
Environment Minister Michael Russell wants views on proposals to extend crofting tenure to include the islands of Arran and Cumbrae and the remaining parts of the Highlands and Islands not currently designated.
The consultation runs until 12 March 2008.
Section 3A(1) of the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993 (inserted by the Crofting Reform etc Act 2007) allows Scottish ministers to designate new crofting areas in Scotland, with the approval of the Crofters Commission. Landowners can apply to the Commission to create new crofts. Tenants under Small Landholders Act leases can apply for conversion of their smallholding to crofting tenure.
A consultation exercise is taking place on the proposal to align the crofting counties with the area covered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). This will look at designating as new crofting areas:
- Arran
- Bute
- Greater and Little Cumbrae
- the local authority areas of Highland outwith the crofting counties
- the local authority area of Moray.
The results of the consultation should be available for consideration at the same time as the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting, due in early 2008.
Mr Russell said: "I would urge anyone with an interest in crofting who wishes to have their say to respond to the consultation, in order for their views to be considered in relation to this exciting proposal."