'Clear danger' to crofting future

More islands will be added to the existing crofting counties

Radical action is needed to save the Scottish crofting industry from its "perilous state", Environment Minister Mike Russell has warned.

His comments came as ministers prepared to consider the recommendations made by an investigation into the industry.

Mr Russell told Holyrood there was a "clear and present danger in terms of the future of crofting".

Opposition parties welcomed a move to secure crofting - but Labour called for early action in some areas.

Mr Russell also announced that legal changes would be made to add the islands of Arran, Bute and Cumbrae to Scotland's six traditional crofting counties.

The minister told the Scottish Parliament he would decide on the recommendations of the Shucksmith Report into the future of crofting by the end of the summer.

Crofting is about production. It's about growing crops, filling the freezer and bringing quality livestock to market. I would want no other future Tavish Scott MSP for Shetland

They included abolishing the Crofters Commission, which currently oversees the industry, to be replaced by elected local boards and action to tackle absentee crofters.

"I believe that radical change is needed to reverse years of decline in crofting," said Mr Russell.

"There is a clear and present danger in terms of the future of crofting and I do think radical action is required."

"We have an obligation now to ensure that crofting carries forward into future generation."

Shetland Liberal Democrat MSP Tavish Scott said any reform must be about securing food production, cattle and sheep in the crofting counties.

He told MSPs: "Yes crofting is a way of life, income is from many sources and the environment plays a large part of crofting land management.

"But crofting, certainly in my community, is about production. It's about growing crops, filling the freezer and bringing quality livestock to market. I would want no other future."

Tory John Scott, a former farmer, welcomed the idea of elected crofting boards, adding: "If these can work together in a federation and be given powers to suspend the right to buy when it serves the best interests of the community, then this will be progress."

Labour rural affairs spokeswoman Sarah Boyack said widespread consultation and consideration was needed, but added: "We need to look at addressing the urgent housing and agricultural support issues that can be acted upon now."