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Rural Development

Rural Scotland, covering 98 per cent of the land area and 20 per cent of the population, is an integral part of the country's economy, environment and culture.

The Government's aim is to promote development in rural areas and empower communities so that their particular views and circumstances are reflected in government policies and priorities.

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Future of Crofting

The Committee of Inquiry on Crofting outlined its vision for the future of crofting in 21st century Scotland on 12 May 2008, in a report to the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government published its response to the Committee's report on 1 October.

The link to the Government's response is below.

(English) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/09/25154550/0

(Gaelic) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/09/30154147/0

When publishing the Government response, Environment Minister, Michael Russell, said:

"One of the priorities of this Government is to support and develop rural communities and I feel today's proposals will do exactly that.

Crofting makes a unique and significant contribution to remote rural areas through economic, social and environmental benefits and has a pivotal role in the world famous cultural landscape of the Highlands and Islands."

News Release available at: Crofters take control of their destiny

Page updated: Tuesday, October 7, 2008