Crofters will enjoy a brighter, safer future following the passage of the Crofting Reform Act 2010 through Parliament earlier this year.

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said that the legislation, which gained Royal Assent this summer, has safeguarded this unique way of life for future generations by ensuring its contribution to a modern society.

Speaking on Monday at the Scottish Crofting Federation Annual Gathering in Oban, Ms Cunningham said: "I genuinely believe that the Crofting Act will safeguard the future of the industry by ensuring that both tenant and owner-occupier crofters will have a legal duty to live on or near their croft and to use the land.

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"The introduction of a democratically accountable Commission will ensure representation from each crofting area and deliver fair and equitable regulation of crofting.

"I also fully recognise the value of crofting and the benefits that it delivers to the economy. The Scottish Government is working with the crofting industry to promote and develop markets for their produce and I know that crofters will take full advantage of these opportunities."

(GK)