Photo journal: Life on a croft

The crofting tradition is centuries old, and the regulated system is unique to the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

The majority of Scotland’s 11,500 crofters are tenants on the land, but some are now owner-occupiers.

Crofts are smallholdings, averaging about five hectares, on which produce can be grown and livestock kept.

In crofting townships there is a strong emphasis on collective working, kinship and the preservation of culture, heritage and links to the land and sea.