The re-appointment of the Convenor and four Commissioners to the Crofters Commission has been announced by Minister for the Environment, Roseanna Cunningham.

The successful re-appointees are Drew Ratter, Convenor, Ronald Eunson, Angus McHattie, Murdo MacLennan and Robin Currie.

The re-appointments will run from May 1, 2010 to April 30, 2012. Robin Currie who has had his appointment extended for 18 months will run from May 1, 2010 to October 31, 2011.

These posts are part-time and attract a remuneration of £29,658, for the Convenor for a time commitment of 12 days per month and a remuneration of £7,440 for the Commissioners for a time commitment of four days per month.

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The Crofters Commission is a public body established by the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1955. The Commission helps to regulate crofting, promote occupancy of crofts, promote active land use and shared management by crofters.

It is a means of sustaining and enhancing rural communities, to promote the interests of crofters, to review all matters relating to crofting and to advise Ministers on crofting matters. This is a challenging time for the Commission with the introduction of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill.

These Ministerial public appointments were made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's Code of Practice.

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.

Mr Currie has declared that he currently holds political office as a Scottish Liberal Democrat member of Argyll and Bute Council.

(GK)