The Scottish government has announced an increase in the rate of the Croft House Grant from 40% to 60% of the total project cost – with a maximum grant of £38,000.

The grant scheme also supports crofters to build new homes, allowing them to maximise the full potential of their crofts and to retain and attract people to remote and rural communities.

Last year the Scottish Government awarded more than £850,000 in Croft House Grant funding to support 28 crofters and their families.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands Mairi Gougeon said: "Crofters are so important to our rural and island communities. They play an integral role contributing to the long-term sustainability of these often fragile areas.

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"The Croft House Grant enables crofters to enjoy the full potential of their crofts while generating economic success - and I have seen first-hand the difference it can make.

"We must do all we can to attract and retain people in our crofting communities, particularly young families. That’s why we are committed to continuing and improving this vital support."

Chief executive of the Scottish Crofting Federation Patrick Krause said: "Housing and fuel poverty are major issues we face in rural Scotland, and, despite the soaring costs, we need more homes, homes that that are ecologically sound. So this is very welcome news.

"It is hearting to see Scottish Government adding to a very effective scheme that has helped hundreds of families to get established, and particularly in helping with improvements to existing buildings, upgrading to be more environmentally efficient, extending and bringing older buildings back into use. It is a win for all."