NFUS has welcomed the publication today of the draft Crofting Reform Bill. The Bill, subject to consultation, lays out in detail how the Scottish Executive intends to simplify and update crofting law.

NFUS Vice President Bob Howat said:

"Crofting is an essential element of rural Scotland, with significant environmental and social benefits for communities. Crofting legislation has always been a complicated subject area with very specialised legislation, so fundamental reform is overdue. Simplification will help crofters understand and take advantage of the framework under which they live and work.

"At first glance, the Executive's proposals are welcome. For the first time since 1955, new crofts can be created anywhere in crofting counties, allowing communities to grow. We had some initial concerns that the creation of new crofts with fewer rights than existing ones would create a two-tier system. The Executive has gone some way to addressing this by ensuring all tenants have the same rights, although there are voluntary opt-outs on some, such as the right to buy.

"The consultation stretches to over 200 pages so it will take time to digest. We will be consulting all our crofting members on the detail to ensure modern crofting has a legislative framework that allows it to take advantage of the many opportunities it faces."