Rod Mackenzie resigns from Crofting Commission roles

Rod Mackenzie has resigned from both his role as the Crofting Commission’s convener, and his role as commissioner from East Highlands.

He has intimated this to Mairi Gougeon, cabinet secretary for rural affairs and islands, and resigned with immediate effect.

Mr Mackenzie cited his reason as ‘ongoing issues which he was not comfortable with’.

The board had a constructive meeting with Cabinet Secretary Ms Gougeon and her officials last Friday, and await Scottish ministers’ appointment of a new convener.

Mairi Mackenzie, vice convener, said: ‘The board thanks Rod for all that he has done in his role; he has been an excellent convener.

‘In response to Rod’s resignation, the board acknowledges the issues and is developing an action plan with a strict timeline to address them.

‘The board knows Rod will continue to support crofters in his career as an auctioneer with Dingwall Mart.’

Commenting on his hopes for his successor, and the future of the Crofting Commission, Mr Mackenzie said: ‘My hope is the commission continues working on becoming more approachable and forward thinking in order to support Scotland’s crofters.

‘It’s a vital organisation for upholding the crofters’ role in managing large swathes of Scotland’s land for food production and biodiversity, as well as being at the heart of our rural and remote communities.’

Following the news, chairman of NFU Scotland’s Crofting, Highlands and Islands Committee Barney MacAskill said: ‘We thank Rod for his service to crofting in his role as commission convener.

‘We always found him approachable in his role and thank him for the way in which he was always willing to listen to members’ concerns and engage with our Crofting Highlands and Islands Committee.

‘He made a very positive contribution to crofting in his time as convenor, championing its role in food production, sensitive land management and the rural economy in many of Scotland’s fragile rural areas.’