'Health benefits' in crofts bill

Greater financial security for crofters has been welcomed by the centre

Some aspects of the draft Crofting Reform Bill have been welcomed by a mental health organisation.

The Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health supports proposals for local elections to area committees.

It also backs moves giving crofters more financial security and control over their work and lives.

The centre was among groups and individuals that responded to the Scottish government's public consultation on the bill.

The independent, not-for-profit, mental health organisation said the measures it supported could lead to empowerment and benefit the overall mental health of a community.

However, another group that responded to the draft bill consultation called for the document to be withdrawn.

Glenelg and Arnisdale Community Council in Ross-shire described it as "excessive" and "poorly conceived".

The Scottish Crofting Foundation has also said most of its 2,000 members rejected the bill and said it was too heavy on enforcement of regulation.

The Scottish government has published responses from 238 individuals and groups online.

These respondents had agreed to their comments being made public. In total, 422 written responses were received during public consultation on the proposed bill.