Holyrood’s rural economy and connectivity committee is to examine priorities for crofting reform.
Next month the committee will hear evidence from organisations representing crofters, crofting law experts and the Crofting Commission, followed by evidence from Scottish Government in December.
Committee convener, Edward Mountain, said: “Crofting brings invaluable jobs, produce and income to our rural communities, and the committee understands the Scottish Government will bring forward a crofting bill in the next few years.”
He said detailed work had already identified issues which proposed legislation might cover, and the committee was working to complement this with its own review of priorities for change.
“Crofting issues can be complex and often specific to a local area. The committee wants to hear views from those with direct, ‘frontline’ experience of crofting issues, and those who have a detailed knowledge of the law in this area,” added Mr Mountain.
“We have no desire to duplicate or go over old ground. Our objective is to identify the key priorities and establish whether there is any potential for delivering on some of these to quickly alleviate certain challenges faced by Scotland’s crofters.”
Following completion of its work, the committee will write to Government to outline its recommendations for action.
