Crofting contemplates a sustainable revival

CROFTING could have bright future in a Scottish agricultural economy recalibrated for sustainability and local food security.

That will be the prospect on the table when the Scottish Crofting Federation holds its ‘Gathering’ this November, in Fort William.

Chief executive, Patrick Krause, said: “There is a debate ongoing in Scotland, and especially in the Highlands and Islands, which concerns land use and management. This has been driven by response to the climate and nature emergencies and targets which will involve landuse change and associated ambitions for peatland restoration, tree planting and biodiversity restoration.

“There are also imminent changes to agriculture support which aim to deliver ‘regenerative agriculture’. Crofters need to know more about this and policymakers need to know more about how crofters are contributing.”

Mr Krause continued:

“We have a lively and diverse programme lined up including hot topics such as ‘The wild bunch – rewilding and people’; ‘Reforestation – trees for people’; ‘Back to the future – traditional practices for a sustainable future’; ‘Land reform and repopulation’; ‘Cultural revival – language and traditions’; ‘Community land ownership’; ‘Crofters of the future: new techniques for achieving low carbon crofting’; and ‘The local food economy’.

“We will also be recognising the future of crofting by presenting the Young Crofter Award . Nominations are closing on October 30, so if you know someone who inspires you, give them the chance to win this prestigious award, a commemorative quaich and £500.”

The event will be held November 18 and 19, in the Ben Nevis Hotel. Participants should register online at https:// www. crofting. org/ upcoming-events/ or contact the SCF office on 01599 530005.