Scott launches isles crofters’ survey

Shetland MSP Tavish Scott is launching a survey to assess the pros and cons of crofting regulation to isles crofters.

The survey will cover several areas including crofting grants, croft housing grants, as well as the impact of regulations on crofting.

It will also give people the opportunity to raise any issues, concerns and problems which isles crofters are experiencing.

The survey is being distributed to all Shetland crofts and is available to complete online. The survey will also be distributed at Shetland’s agricultural shows and events throughout the coming months.

Mr Scott said: “Crofting regulations and the various grants which accompany them are extremely valuable to crofters across Shetland. However, the current system is by no means perfect.

“I am in regular contact with crofters across the isles who continue to raise important concerns such as the burdensome nature of paperwork, the inability to raise capital on crofting land, the length of time it takes to undertake de-crofting, take on a tenancy, divide a croft and transfer ownership. These are all concerns which must be addressed in order to improve the current system.

“If there is to be any change to legislation, it must be undertaken by the Scottish government and to get the ball rolling, it is important that we have a strong base of evidence on the issues which matter most to crofters.

“As a result, I am hoping to establish the opinion of crofters across Shetland on all issues of crofting regulation and the shape of grants schemes for the future.”