Rent-a-bull programme to continue

The bulls are kept on land near Inverness

A scheme offering crofters state-owned bulls for hire will continue but at a reduced level, the Scottish government has said.

The government had sought to wind up the programme using stud animals which are kept near Inverness.

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said that in the long-term communities should try to keep their own bulls.

Some crofters had opposed an end to the hiring of state bulls.

The scheme has been running since 1897.

'Not practicable'

The government subsidises the full cost of bull hire.

Following an increase in fees for the first time in five years, crofters will pay £1,250 to hire an animal. The government said without the subsidy it would cost crofters £3,400.

Between 2006 and 2008, an average of 120 bulls were hired to about 450 participants in 106 crofting townships, the government said.

These bulls served 4,083 cows in 2008 out of a total of 28,315 cows held on crofts.

Ms Cunningham said: "The best way to ensure the continued quality of livestock in crofting areas is a reduced, streamlined stud base at Inverness.

"I asked the review group to consider community-run studs. They concluded that this is not practicable in the short-term for a number of reasons."

But she added: "Community groups should start to build their own capacity with a view to running studs where bulls are needed most."