Crofting is ‘much more than a hobby’ – report shows £588m value of sector
Crofting representatives have said a new report outlining the sector’s value to the Highland economy shows its potential across the whole of Scotland.
The chairman of the Scottish Crofting Federation claimed the figures – which show a £588 million contribution from crofters – prove it is much more than the “hobby” it is often made out to be.
The Value of Crofting report, released by the Crofting Commission this week, revealed what it called the “extraordinary economic contribution of crofting to Scotland”.
The findings of the report, by BiGGAR Economics, show that crofting generates £588 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) annually and sustains more than 30,000 jobs across the country.
A total of 80 per cent of the wealth created by crofting is retained within the crofting counties of the Highlands and Islands, illustrating its pivotal role in revitalising rural communities.
Malcolm Mathieson, chair of the Crofting Commission, said: “This report confirms what we’ve always known: crofting is a vital part of Scotland’s economic fabric. It’s not just about agriculture; it’s about creating sustainable livelihoods and thriving communities in some of the most beautiful but challenging parts of the Highlands and Islands.
“These figures clearly show us that the benefits to rural communities, if crofting regulation were to be extended to all of Scotland, could benefit the whole country.”
Crofting was also shown to deliver exceptional value for public investment, with every £1 of public funds invested in crofting returning £13 GVA for the Scottish economy.
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Crofts cover 25 per cent of the Highlands and Islands land area and 15 per cent of Scotland’s land, mostly on poorer quality land and in remote areas. Crofts currently lie solely within the Highlands and Islands, where their impact is even more significant, contributing 5 per cent of the total GVA of the region each year, and 6 per cent of all jobs.
SCF chair Jonathan Hedges said: “This report evidences and underlines the importance of crofting to Scotland and strengthens the case for ensuring that crofters are supported appropriately for the wealth of public benefit that crofting delivers.
“The report clearly shows that crofting not only delivers economically, but also for the environment, land management, community, health and for culture.
“That said, however, for crofting to reach its full potential, there needs to be better access to croft land for young folk, potentially through creation of new crofts, a subject we have long highlighted. Crofting is sometimes viewed as a ‘hobby’, but this report helps demonstrate that it is very much more than that and, as such, should be given the recognition and support it deserves.”
Crofting Commission chief executive Gary Campbell welcomed the findings.
He said: “The methodology used by BiGGAR, and the conclusions that have been drawn show that crofting plays a critical role in environmental stewardship, cultural preservation and the fight against climate change, all of which we plan to use as basis for future research.
“Overall, though, this report underscores the importance of continued support for crofting as we build a prosperous and resilient future for Scotland.”
