NFU Scotland welcomed the formal approval of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill last week and is now encouraging crofters to engage with the Scottish Parliament’s Committee of Inquiry on Crofting to ensure that crofting communities are adequately represented.

The work of the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting, which is chaired by Professor Mark Shucksmith, is expected to culminate with a report to Ministers at the end of 2007. The aim of the committee is to fully engage with crofting communities in the crofting counties and other areas of Scotland where crofting has a role to play.

During the inquiry the Committee will identify and report on the features of crofting that distinguish it from other land tenure systems with the end objective of sustaining and enhancing the population, improving economic viability, safeguarding landscape and biodiversity, and sustaining cultural diversity across rural Scotland as a whole.

John Kinnaird, NFU Scotland President, said:

“What the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill has done is to keep crofting in the public arena and alert people to its needs, which is essential. What is now absolutely crucial is to ensure that all those involved work towards the objective of ensuring that crofting is sustainable in the long term.

“I therefore encourage all crofters to engage with the Committee of Inquiry to ensure that the views of those most affected are heard.”

NOTE:

· Those wishing to put their views forward to the Committee of Inquiry can email COICrofting@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

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