The Scottish Government has awarded over £700,000 to help crofters improve the quality of their housing.

A total of 21 crofters will receive a share of the Croft House Grant, which aims to help retain/attract people to rural communities.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy, Fergus Ewing, confirmed the funding awards during a visit to a newly built croft house near Kiltarlity in the Highlands.

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Since 2007, over £15 million of grant payments have been awarded and 800 homes have been improved or built.

Mr Ewing said: "Good quality housing is essential for crofters. We need to draw people to Scotland’s most remote and rural communities and the Croft House Grant can do that. Upgrading or building new properties can help crofters fulfil their duty to live on or close to their croft and can help them undertake additional agricultural activity.

"This funding will make a real difference to 21 crofters and their families across the Highlands, Western Isles, Northern Isles and Argyll.

(LM/CD)