Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Councillor Donald Crichton has urged crofters and interested parties to respond to a consultation on the review of the Crofter Housing Grant Scheme before it closes on 31 March.

Cllr Crichton, Vice-Chairman of the Comhairle's Sustainable Development Committee said: "Support for crofter housing has taken various forms since it was first introduced over a hundred years ago. The current support package being proposed consists of an island new build and repair grant of up to £28,000.

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"While we support an increase, as a Comhairle we believe this proposal doesn't go far enough to meet the challenges of building new homes in our island communities today. We consider an intervention rate of up to £50,000 to be more appropriate in the Outer Hebrides where costs are considerably higher than mainland areas.

"Access to good quality affordable housing is essential for the future development of crofting communities and I would encourage those with an interest to respond to the consultation before the deadline of the 31st March."

Submissions to the consultation can be made here.

(IT/CD)