MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed figures published this week by the Crofting Commission which show a substantial increase in the number of new entrants to crofting.
This marks a five-year high and highlights the growing interest in this unique land tenure system, particularly among younger generations.
Notably, 45 per cent of these new entrants are women, and 29 per cent are aged 40 or younger. The 510 new entrants to crofting were recorded between March 2022 and March 2023, and were recorded across all crofting areas of Scotland.
Commenting on the figures, the islands’ MSP said: “The latest figures for new entrants to crofting are very encouraging, particularly the proportions of young people and women recorded.
“This progress demonstrates new measures on helping prospective new crofters secure a croft tenancy are working, though, of course, there is still more that can be done to make the process more efficient and to further widen access. As the minister for Crofting stated this week, the Scottish Government will continue to work closely with the Crofting Commission to create additional opportunities for new entrants. It is also my hope that the upcoming Crofting Bill will include provisions to help sustain crofting in the long-term, supporting new entrants and existing crofters alike.”
Scottish Crofting Federation chairperson, Jonathan Hedges said: “As an organisation, we have long known that there is significant demand for crofts and have campaigned that more should be done to enable new entrants to access croft land. The figures released by the Crofting Commission demonstrate that demand.
“The fact that 29 per cent of these are young crofters is very positive news but there is still much more work to do to increase the availability of crofts to this age group, as well as keeping them affordable, allowing young families to continue to live and work in rural communities.
“We call on the Scottish Government to consider what else can be done to support this progress.”
Malcolm Matheson, convenor of the Crofting Commission, added: “These figures are not just encouraging, they represent a shot in the arm for rural communities facing depopulation challenges. It’s clear that crofting continues to offer exciting opportunities for people seeking a rewarding and sustainable lifestyle.
“I look forward to visiting new crofters and witnessing first-hand how crofting contributes to the economic and social fabric of the Highlands and Islands.”
The SCF remains the only organisation dedicated to campaigning for crofters and for the future of crofting and would very much encourage those new entrants to join its membership and help support its work so that it can do everything it can to protect crofters’ future.
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