Proposals to support crofting will be unveiled later today.

Measures from the Scottish Government aimed at encouraging young people to live in rural areas include new laws to restrict sales and transfers to ensure only people who aim to work on the land can take over existing crofts.

Plans from Professor Martin Shucksmith an expert in rural affairs will form the basis of future government policy.


An inquiry from the previous Scottish Executive surveyed over 1,000 people in crofting communities and found that many feared for the future of the landholding system.

A shake-up of the Crofters Commission may be on the cards.

This will be welcome news for those in rural communities and follows the introduction of the Rural Priorities scheme announced last month to support rural communities and the industries that underpin the rural economy.

On Friday Adam Ingram, Minister for Children and Early Years, said: "We announced the Rural Priorities scheme, offering community groups, businesses, farmers, foresters and other interested parties a chance to submit their ideas towards a share of almost £800 million to develop rural Scotland."

(GK)