Crofting Reform Bill
The Bill marks the next step in the Scottish Government's commitment to reform crofting and make this unique way of life fit for purpose in a modern Scotland. The Scottish Government agreed to reform crofting, following the work of the Shucksmith Inquiry, "recognising the unique contribution that small scale land management practices can make in terms of public benefits to the environment". The Shucksmith Inquiry reported on May 12, 2008 and the Government published its response on October 1, 2009.
Since then, the Government has undertaken administrative reforms such as focusing the Crofters Commission on the business of regulation and transferring crofting development to Highlands and Islands Enterprise and grant administration to the Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate. A consultation on a draft Bill that would implement reforms that require legislation took place between May 19 and August 12, 2009. This draft Bill generated many responses, which are now being analysed ahead of final decisions on the future shape of the legislation.
Crofts that are lived on and worked help to deliver sustainable rural communities and ensure that full use is made of our land resource, thereby contributing to the Government's purpose of delivering sustainable economic growth.
Commentators on the proposed legislation include Professor Jim Hunter, of the University of the Highlands and Islands and founding director of the Scottish Crofters Union. He was quoted in the Herald on August 17 as saying:
"If what's happening now [i.e. the status quo] continues, crofting has had it. That doesn't mean there won't be flourishing communities in the Highlands and Islands 50 or 100 years from now. But they won't be crofting communities, and crofting, by then, will be just as much a part of history as the days of clans and clanship."
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