This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New jobs for remote crofting community
03/10/2005
The new office of the Crofters Commission's Croft House Grant Scheme (CHGS) was officially opened on the island of Tiree today.
It was moved from Edinburgh under the Executive's relocation policy and the nine jobs have been taken up by local residents.
Deputy Rural Development Minister Rhona Brankin said:
"I am delighted to see how modern technology has allowed us to provide the community here in Tiree and the rest of the crofting counties with a high quality service and new jobs in a location that would previously have been considered too remote.
"The successful relocation of the Croft House Grant Scheme highlights the Scottish Parliament's commitment to serve the interests of all of Scotland's communities including the more remote, rural areas.
"Crofting has helped sustain populations in fragile areas like Tiree for decades and our Crofting Reform Bill will ensure that it can continue to do so for decades to come.
"My visit here today has also allowed me to consult with local crofters about the new opportunities the Bill will give them and listen to any concerns they may have at an early stage in the parliamentary process."
The CHGS helps ensure tenants can live on their land by providing grants to build new homes and make improvements to existing houses.
The First Minister announced in November 2004 that the CHGS (formerly CBGLS) administration office would move to Tiree by the summer of 2005.
The Executive's Small Units of Work policy recognises that, particularly in more remote areas, even a small number of additional jobs can make a significant difference to social and economic conditions.
The Area Offices will continue to provide over the counter assistance and guidance as is presently the case.
The new office is based in a previously unused section of the Business Centre at Crossapol which is currently being upgrading.
The building also houses Tiree Community Business, Argyll College, Argyll and Bute Social Work, Argyll and Bute Corporate Services and Highland and Islands Enterprise Community Resources.