The crofting community has elected six new commissioners to the board of the Crofting Commission.
The board of the commission, which is the government agency with responsibility for crofting legislation, comprises six elected officials and three appointed by government.
The newly elected commissioners are: Cyril Annal for Caithness and Okrney; Andy Holt for the Shetland Islands; Rod Mackenzie for the east Highlands; Billy Neilson for the south-west Highlands; Mairi Mackenzie for the west Highlands; and Iain MacIver for the Western Isles.
They join government-appointed commissioners Malcolm Mathieson, James Scott and David Campbell.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing welcomed the latest appointments.
He said: “The elected crofting commissioners will give crofters a stronger say in how they are regulated, bringing valuable local knowledge and experience to the role and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the six newly elected Commissioners on their election and wish them every success.
“This group, together with the appointed commissioners, will play an essential role in the effective governance and operation of the Crofting Commission, ensuring that it has the policies in place to deliver fair, reasonable and transparent decisions on matters affecting crofters and rural communities.”
Commission chief executive Bill Barron said: “We believe there is a positive future for crofting and I will do all I can to help the new board of commissioners carry out their functions effectively.”
