NFU Scotland is pushing for the Islands (Scotland) Bill to recognise that farming and crofting is the backbone of many, if not all, island communities.

The Union has welcomed the passing of Stage 3 of the Islands (Scotland) Bill and the commitment to include the creation of a "national islands plan" to set a long-term improvement strategy for our islands and their communities.

Active farming and crofting not only produces food but supports many other vital island industries such as tourism and the food and drink sector. It is vital therefore in setting out a ‘national islands plan’ that agriculture is at the forefront.

In addition, as highlighted at the recent evidence session of the Rural Economy & Connectivity Committee (30 May), ferry services are an essential service in securing the economic viability of the islands. There has been significant growth in the use of the ferries in some areas since the introduction of Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) boosting tourism. However, recent vessel breakdowns and the ensuing ferry disruptions have highlighted how vulnerable the current ferry service is.

NFU Scotland’s Argyll and Islands Regional Chairman John Dickson, who farms on the Isle of Bute said: “With farming and crofting at the heart of island life, a reliable, affordable ferry service is crucial to island economies.

“Recent disruptions have strengthened our calls for the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to accelerate the much-needed long-term investment in the vessel and port infrastructure, as identified in the Scottish Ferry Services: Ferries Plan (2013 - 2022), which set out the future of ferry services until 2022.

“This investment is urgently needed to ensure that the aspirations of the Islands (Scotland) Bill can be delivered and that farming and crofting on these islands and their rural communities can thrive.”

Orkney and Shetland Regional Chairman David Scarth, who farms at Twatt on Orkney said: “For the Northern Isles, there is disappointment that Scottish Government continues to delay the introduction of the promised RET to Orkney and Shetland.  In addition, there is still the outstanding issue of introducing “fair fares” on the internal ferries within these islands.

“Here, there are also issues arising from an ageing ferry fleet at a time when the prospect of introducing RET on the internal ferry network doesn’t appear to be on the radar.  This leaves our most vulnerable and fragile communities paying the highest fares in Scotland and, in many cases, receiving the poorest service.”

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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006