Crofting laws consultation aims to make them ‘ fit for purpose’

A consultation on how to make crofting laws“fit for purpose” has been launched by the Scottish Government.

Rural affairs secretary Fergus Ewing said the options ranged from a“tidy-up” of existing legislation to a fresh start with a“clean sheet approach”.

Scotland has more than 20,000 crofts, with more than 33,000 people living on them, while the sector contributed £ 85.8 million to the economy in 2016, according to the government. 0 Fergus Ewing launched the consultation on reforms

But crofters and lawyers have complained that legislation in this area is complicated and outdated, with Mr Ewing stating: “What we now need is a transparent frame - work that is understandable and workable in practice– legislation that comple ments the future of crofting.”

The Crofting Law Act of 1886 secured a number of rights for crofters and while Mr Ewing stressed these“remain important ”, he added :“As we look forward, we must see how crofting best contributes to the rural economy and how it can help in re- peopling Scotland’s rural areas.”

He continued: “I believe it is sensible to approach crofting reform from an open perspective as the legislation can take many different forms.”