Reid calls for Crofting Bill to be abandoned (Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats <info@aberdeensouthlibdems.org.uk>

Reid calls for Crofting Bill to be abandoned

August 10, 2009 9:29 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Alan Reid, Liberal Democrat MP for Argyll & Bute, called on the Scottish Government to abandon its draft Crofting Reform Bill and listen to the clear voice of crofters about the way forward.

He said, "The verdict from crofters on the SNP's proposed reforms is emphatically clear. The Scottish Government's draft Bill only offers ill-thought through regulations and new costs for crofters in registering their land.

"I hope that the Scottish Government will understand how badly it has misunderstood the kind of reform which crofting needs. For crofting to have a future it must be made more attractive to young people and be able to use the available resources - especially from Less Favoured Area status - to boost productivity.

"The Scottish Government should abandon this Bill, go back to the drawing board and discuss with crofters the changes are that are required to give crofting a sustainable future."