Bright future for island’s Young Crofters

AYRSHIRE’S own sheep farming social media star has headed to the Outer Hebrides to lend a hand to a new group for young crofters in the area.

Cammy Wilson of The Sheep Game helped launch the Western Isles Young Crofters alongside Jordan Barclay and John McCulloch from the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs (SAYFC) and members of the Lewis and Harris Sheep Producers Association (LHSPA).

Ally Williamson, a member of the LHSPA committee, who helped organise the event at the Steinish Auction Mart, explained: “In the last few years we have seen more and more young people attending sales, shows and events.

“There is obviously a growing interest in crofting but there is no dedicated organisation for them to get involved in.

This event was about exploring demand for setting up such a group and the turnout has certainly shown that demand is there. Crofting has a bright future in the Western Isles.”

With interest from 100 young crofters throughout the Western Isles, it is hoped that the new group will provide more opportunities for crofters from all the islands to come together more regularly.

Cammy said: “This is the third time I’ve been to the Western Isles and one of the things I think is really special about the place is the sense of community, that was certainly on display at the launch event.”

Jordan, the SAYFC’s youth development manager, added: “We were delighted to be invited to attend this event and tell young people in the Western Isles about the opportunities that SAYFC membership and affiliation could bring for the new group.

“We have recently had new clubs established in Shetland which have been a great success. We would love to help support something similar being replicated in the Western Isles.”