Crofters are being asked to share their views on the process for electing crofting commissioners and the boundaries for the areas they represent.
Scottish Government has launched a formal consultation on the issue ahead of the election of new Crofting Commission board members next year.
The consultation asks crofters what they think of the boundaries for the crofting body’s six constituency areas, who should be able to vote in the election, who should be able to stand for election, what the process should be for appointing a new commissioner, and what the maximum amount and process for election expenses should be.
“Electing crofting commissioners has helped give crofters a stronger say in how they are regulated, and elected members have brought valuable local knowledge and experience to their roles as they work together for the good of all of crofting,” said the minister for environment, climate change and land reform, Aileen McLeod.
“The first Crofting Commission elections in 2012 were ahead of their time in allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote. With just a year to go until the next round of voting, now is the ideal time to look at whether there is anything we should be doing differently to ensure the 2017 elections are a success. For example, I am particularly keen to encourage more women to stand for election.”
Crofting Commission chief executive Catriona Maclean said: “It is important for crofters and crofting stakeholders to be involved in the election process that will ultimately shape the future of the commission and crofting. This is the second election for the commission and it is important for all those with an interest in crofting to understand the elections and what is involved. I would encourage crofters to take part in the consultation and have their say for the 2017 elections.”
