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Scottish crofters in 2009 will have a greater say in their own future. This follows a radical proposals announced by the Scottish Government on Wednesday. Environment Minister Michael Russell responded to the final report of the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting that included the following new proposals

* Reconstituting the Crofters Commission with up to six area committees that will include crofters elected by crofters
* Making Highlands and Islands Enterprise the lead organisation for the development of crofting communities
* Giving the Registers of Scotland responsibility for establishing a new Register of Crofts
* Giving consideration to an occupancy condition on housing built on land taken out of crofting tenure to address speculation on croft land for second homes
* Undertaking a review of support for croft housing and support for croft agriculture with an emphasis on supporting new entrants to crofting
* Encouraging the creation of new crofts, especially on public land
* A new crofting bill and a consolidation of crofting law

Mr Russell said: "I believe that empowering crofters to take decisions about crofting is central to securing the future of the sector. By reforming the Crofters Commission to make it more democratic and accountable we will return power to those who know what is best for crofting and for their communities.”

Commenting on the Government's response, the Chair of the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting, Professor Mark Shucksmith, said he was pleased the Scottish Government had accepted the essence of the Committee's proposals, even though it has proposed slightly different means of achieving some of the reforms recommended.

He said:"The Committee heard compelling evidence that radical reforms of governance, regulation and support are required if crofting is to survive and prosper. Time alone will tell if these proposed reforms are sufficient, but it is my hope that the Scottish Government's proposals will now command widespread support and that they will be implemented as soon as possible."

The Government will carry out a full public consultation on draft legislation in the spring of 2009.

(Article by Charles Litster)

	Scotland4me.net	'News'
	'Scottish Crofters to have more say in 2009'
	Scottish crofters in 2009 will have a greater say in their own future. This follows a radical proposals announced by the Scottish Government on Wednesday. Environment Minister Michael Russell responded to the final report of the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting that included the following new proposals * Reconstituting the Crofters Commission with up to six area committees that will include crofters elected by crofters * Making Highlands and Islands Enterprise the lead organisation for the development of crofting communities * Giving the Registers of Scotland responsibility for establishing a new Register of Crofts * Giving consideration to an occupancy condition on housing built on land taken out of crofting tenure to address speculation on croft land for second homes * Undertaking a review of support for croft housing and support for croft agriculture with an emphasis on supporting new entrants to crofting * Encouraging the creation of new crofts, especially on public land * A new crofting bill and a consolidation of crofting law Mr Russell said: "I believe that empowering crofters to take decisions about crofting is central to securing the future of the sector. By reforming the Crofters Commission to make it more democratic and accountable we will return power to those who know what is best for crofting and for their communities.” Commenting on the Government's response, the Chair of the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting, Professor Mark Shucksmith, said he was pleased the Scottish Government had accepted the essence of the Committee's proposals, even though it has proposed slightly different means of achieving some of the reforms recommended. He said:"The Committee heard compelling evidence that radical reforms of governance, regulation and support are required if crofting is to survive and prosper. Time alone will tell if these proposed reforms are sufficient, but it is my hope that the Scottish Government's proposals will now command widespread support and that they will be implemented as soon as possible." The Government will carry out a full public consultation on draft legislation in the spring of 2009. (Article by Charles Litster)	.
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