Dave Thompson MSP

It gives me great pleasure to write for the Crofter, which continues to be an invaluable resource and remains an informative source of information for those with an interest in a unique way of life.

Crofters deserve Government support, which is why I submitted my own formal response to the recent Croft House Grant Scheme (CHGS) Consultation. This included a recommendation that the levels of assistance to the proposed new high and standard priority areas should be at least double the current rate.

An increase of £6,000 for assistance to new high and standard priority areas is welcome, however if the assistance is doubled to at least £40,000 this would be nearer the 40% being offered for improvements. I also support the replacing of the three Geographical Priorities with two new areas and I agree with the Scottish Crofting Federation’s (SCF’s) view that remote mainland areas should qualify for the same support as the islands.

It is not fair, for instance, that Ardnamurchan should qualify for the same as the hinterland surrounding Inverness because high transport costs will affect the remotest mainland areas just as it affects those on the islands.

It was excellent to speak at the Scottish Young Crofters Conference in Glencanisp on the Assynt Estate. I was able to engage with crofters at what was a busy and highly participative event, which gave me the opportunity to encourage folk to respond to the CHGS and also to make their voice heard in the corridors of power.

Crofters are reliant on Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments so it is crucial that as much comes to crofting as possible. Under the Government’s CAP plans, it is estimated that direct funding for crofters will increase from around £19 million to £33 million by about 2019 and this is to be welcomed.

The reform of CAP has been one of the most important decisions crofting has seen in recent years, with work on the finer detail of the system still on-going. However, we do know that the Scottish Government are very keen that support will go to those who actively farm land and produce products that the public want.

There will be changes in how funding is allocated through Direct Payments (known as Regionalisation) meaning that payments will be made on an area basis to reflect the variation in land quality across Scotland.

There is also good news for young farmers (40 or under) who will be eligible for a 25% top up payment, which will help to attract young families into crofting.

The Scottish Government has lobbied hard to ensure Scotland's crofting needs are well represented and were involved in helping deliver for Scotland’s crofters and they will, as I will, continue to stick up for crofters best interests in the Highlands and Islands, now and into the future.