News / Crofting bill a “double edged sword”
THE Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has cautiously greeted the Crofting Reform Bill, describing it as ‘a double edged sword’ and that crofting would continue despite it.
On Thursday the Scottish Parliament voted the bill through by a narrow margin on votes from the SNP, the Conservatives and the Greens.
The bill was hailed by environment minister Roseanna Cunningham as a monumental day in crofting history tackling absenteeism, neglect and speculation, but Marina Dennis, the convenor of the SCF crofting reform working group, said she was sceptical.
“We are pleased that the bill has been voted through as parts of the existing legislation are not fit for purpose. Getting the bill through means it can always be re-visited, but it is a double-edged sword.
“For example, we have always pressed for a map-based crofting register which has been voted through but the methods proposed by the government to implement this – the controversial compulsory ‘trigger’ system and the associated costs to crofters could have the effect of stagnating any movement of crofts.
“The government claim that this bill is designed to free up crofts but this poorly thought out procedure could actually cause exactly the opposite.
“However the SCF are working on a crofting community planning programme to help crofting communities to map their assets in a practical and empowering way. This will proceed despite the government’s intentions,” she said.
SCF chief executive Patrick Krause added: “It is widely recognised that this new act will not be the panacea for crofting – it attempts to make the legislation more effective but can not make crofting viable.
“The entire way we look at food production and land management has to fundamentally change. Crofters are producing good food, naturally, using methods that enhance the environment and are sustainable.
“This protects the landscape that a recent survey showed as the number one reason tourists come to Scotland. Crofters also manage Europe’s largest peat-lands which capture and lock up huge amounts of carbon. Crofters should be rewarded for the benefits and public goods they provide.”
Ms Cunningham said: “By tackling speculation and addressing absenteeism and the neglect and misuse of crofts we will put an end to the major issues preventing the creation of modern, sustainable crofting communities.
“We will introduce a democratically accountable commission that will reflect and respond to the concerns of crofters. Also, finally, we will have a meaningful and accurate register of land held in crofting tenure which will ensure that we can better protect crofting for future generations.”
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