NFU Scotland has welcomed the publication of a report which has exposed the massive economic and social benefits generated by Scotland’s often over-looked crofters.
With more than 850 crofting members, Vice President Alasdair Macnab writes:
“This week, the Crofting Commission published a report on the value of crofting to Scotland’s economy. The report is eye-opening to the vast benefits crofting brings to local communities, as well as the wider Scottish economy.
“Crofting is unique in tenure type, often overlooked and misunderstood. It is not just a type of tenancy or land-use; it is a way of life for many in the Highlands and Islands and part of a mosaic of employment in these areas.
“In its financial contribution to the wider economy, crofting adds £588 million GVA (gross value added) per year to the Scottish economy and supports 30,385 jobs. This is a huge and previously underrated contribution from such a small part of Scotland’s population.
“For most crofters, crofting is not the only job. Many crofters also work in their community, in schools, as health workers, tradesmen and women, without whom the local community could not survive. These jobs, supported by crofting, are concentrated in and around the crofting counties. These areas are sparsely populated, often very remote rural areas where crofting provides a focus and a meaning to their communities.
“The value of this is further highlighted within the report stating that for every £1 of economic impact directly added by crofting generates £19 in indirect benefits.
“It is not just a monetary value that crofting brings to the economy. The social and environmental benefits are just as great. There is a unique identity within the crofting communities which brings people together and they are often the first to take steps towards embracing renewable energy, environmental enhancement and improving biodiversity and developing tourism
“If anything, this report highlights the need to develop and protect crofting, encouraging new entrants and future proofing the legislation so it can continue to thrive, supporting Scotland’s economy.
“NFU Scotland is playing a strong role in advocating for the future of crofting through its Crofting Highlands and Islands Committee, lobbying and engagement with Scottish Government and its agencies such as NatureScot on a wide range of issues.
“We have welcomed commitment in the Scottish Government’s recent Programme for Government, announced in September, that it is to proceed with plans to bring forward legislation for a Crofting Bill and we have already been working closely with the Crofting Bill group to develop proposals.
“We broadly support reform of crofting law but in our submission, we call for the legislation to go further to assist entry to crofting for new entrants.
“This report shows that there is a bright and profitable future for crofting, and we need the planned Bill to deliver on that ambition.”