North MSP says lack of crofting law reform in Scottish Government plans is 'a slap in the face' for crofters
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THE absence of crofting law reform in the Scottish Government plans for the coming year is "a slap in the face" for crofters.
So said Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP, Edward Mountain, who is "extremely disappointed" by the omission.
He said:"The lack of commitment from this SNP-Green Government to undertake reform is a slap in the face for our crofting communities.
"Back in 2017, the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee published a review of crofting law reform priorities in anticipation of forthcoming legislation which never materialised.
"I believe crofters had a right to expect legislation in this new session of Parliament but again they are being disregarded.
"I am extremely disappointed that crofting reform is absent from this SNP-Green Programme for Government. Frankly, this is totally neglectful.
"We need to protect crofting communities as they not only bring benefits in terms of land use and agriculture, but crofters do so much to sustain remote rural communities, language, and the local environment.
"I will continue to press the SNP-Green Government to think again on crofting law reform as new legislation is required urgently."
The Scottish Crofting Federation expressed bitter disappointment that the long awaited crofting reform bill has not been included in the programme for government.
Chairman Donald MacKinnon said the progress of the crofting law reform bill was stopped in the last term of government.
"Given that the SNP pledged that they will 'reform the law and develop crofting to create more active crofts', it is galling that the bill, or indeed any crofting-specific actions, are not included in the programme. It shows a disregard for the crofting system at a time that this type of land tenure is needed most."
He added: "Overall, the programme for government is weak on a new vision for rural Scotland and leaves crofting wanting. While promoting measures to address climate change and environmental degradation, and claims to want to help young people and remote communities, the lack of direct action to tackle the crofting crisis is lamentable."
