New initiative aims to revitalize vacant crofts in the Highlands

The Crofting Commission launches a proactive approach to address underused land.

The Crofting Commission has recently unveiled a new initiative designed to address the pressing issue of vacant crofts across the Highlands and Islands. This proactive approach seeks to not only revitalize underused land but also strengthen crofting communities and ensure the long-term sustainability of crofting practices in these regions.

Understanding the impact of vacant crofts

Vacant crofts represent a significant missed opportunity for both new entrants to the crofting sector and the economic vitality of rural communities.

According to Gary Campbell, the chief executive of the Crofting Commission, these unoccupied lands could be transformed into productive assets that foster economic activity and community development. The initiative aims to provide landlords and owner-occupiers with essential information and support, emphasizing their crucial role in maintaining a robust crofting sector.

Creating opportunities through active land use

The Crofting Commission’s new initiative is part of a broader strategy to maximize the productive use of land in the Highlands and Islands.

By addressing the issue of vacant crofts, the commission hopes to create new opportunities for housing, livelihoods, and community development. This is particularly important in areas where the demand for crofts significantly exceeds the available supply. The commission’s commitment to revitalizing these lands is a vital step towards ensuring that crofting remains a vibrant way of life for future generations.

Upcoming events to promote crofting

In conjunction with this initiative, the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) is set to host its 2024 Gathering, themed “Crofting: A Tradition for the Future,” at the Cabarfeidh Hotel in Stornoway on November 23. This event will feature a keynote address by Agriculture and Connectivity Minister Jim Fairlie, alongside panel discussions and workshops focused on sustaining community development. Additionally, a special event celebrating 100 years of community-owned crofting in the Western Isles will take place the day before the main gathering.

Tickets for these events are available through the SCF website, crofting.org. The Crofting Commission’s initiative, combined with the SCF’s efforts, underscores a collective commitment to preserving and enhancing the crofting tradition, ensuring its relevance and sustainability in the modern era.