This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Minister meets with Crofters Commission
17/08/2005
Deputy Minister for Rural Development, Rhona Brankin,
met yesterday with the Crofters Commission as part of the
process to open crofting to new generations.
The Minister met with Crofters Commission Chairman,
David Green and Commission officials on the back of the
recent consultation on the Crofting Reform Bill.
Ms Brankin, said :
"Crofting has helped sustained population the Highlands
for decades. The draft Crofting Reform Bill promises to
bring new blood and new business opportunities to crofting
and crofting communities for generations to come.
"The Crofters Commission has an important role to play
in tackling unused crofts to ensure the land is used and
managed effectively and I have asked that they inform me of
their progress on this issue.
"The Bill will help to create completely new crofts in
some of Scotland's most remote communities making it easier
for young people who want a permanent stake in their
community to get started. The Bill can make a significant
contribution to rural development across the Crofting
communities. I look forward to leading it through
Parliament."
Speaking after the meeting with Deputy Minister,
Crofters Commission Chairman, David Green said,
"We raised with the Minister the number of crofters who
have purchased their crofts but do not live on or work them
and appear unwilling to release their croft land to for use
by active crofters. Ms Brankin has asked that we research
the issue and if appropriate bring forward proposals for
tackling the issue urgently. I intend that we should report
to her in the Autumn."
This release was published on August 25, 2005