Young and aspiring crofters are invited to share their ideas, plans, and concerns for the future at a special three-day event in Sutherland next month.
Organised by the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF), the Young Crofters 2020 gathering, is open to anyone between the ages of 14 and 40.
Taking place on March 19-21 at Glencanisp Lodge, near Lochinver, the meeting will offer young and aspiring crofters the chance to meet with their peers and discuss the future of the sector.
“This is a critical time for young crofters to make themselves heard,” said SCF chairwoman Fiona Mandeville.
She said public opinion was moving against the “unsustainable industrial agriculture” and crofting was being more widely recognised as a means of sustainable land management, food production and rural population retention for Scotland.
“We are being approached by young crofters who are feeling isolated and unsupported by current government policy and we are also contacted by many younger people wanting to croft but are finding it impossible to get land,” added Ms Mandeville.
“The aim of the gathering is to give young people the chance to voice their aspirations, ideas and plans for the future of crofting. It is a chance for them to get their views heard by the SCF and by crofting policymakers, and to bring their influence to bear on the way that crofting goes forward to 2020 and beyond.”
Around 100 people, including more experienced crofters and policymakers, are expected to attend the event. Priority will be given to young and aspiring crofters and places will be subsidised, although a small charge will be made.
Those interested in attending are urged to contact SCF by emailing hq@crofting.org or by phoning 01599 530005.