Further reform is needed if crofting is to survive and thrive into the future, a Highlands MSP has warned during a debate at Holyrood.
Ariane Burgess MSP said the Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill, while welcome in parts, does not go far enough to secure the long term future of crofting communities.
Speaking in Parliament, the Highlands MSP said the Bill makes crofting “slightly simpler” but fails to set out a clear vision for the future of the sector.
She argued that crofters face growing pressures that require urgent and strategic action from government.
“There are a multitude of challenges coming down the line that we need to address so that crofters feel supported to adapt to them.”
She highlighted the approaching 2045 net zero target and Scotland’s Good Food Nation commitments as key examples of pressures crofters will need support to respond to.
“The 2045 net zero target is getting ever closer and we also have Good Food Nation commitments to consider.
“Once this current piece of legislation has passed, the next Government must quickly move to protect the future of crofting for generations to come.”
She warned that important issues have been left out of the Bill, including measures to improve access to crofting for new entrants.
The MSP also said there is a need to look at how the crofting model could be expanded beyond its traditional geographic boundaries.
Despite her criticism, Ms Burgess acknowledged positive elements within the Bill, particularly around environmental land use.
“It’s good to see that crofters will be able to put their land to an environmental use.
“I hope this will give the community the confidence to do their bit for Scotland’s nature and climate, as well as help to achieve the change that’s needed if we’re to meet the climate and biodiversity crises.
“We need to rethink existing systems of land use and where appropriate consider initiatives like carbon sequestration, peatland restoration and woodland planting.”
She concluded that without further reform and a clear long term strategy, crofting risks being left behind at a time when rural communities are being asked to deliver more than ever before.
