Mr Russell was responding to the final report of the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting and announced several measures aimed at developing crofting communities.
The new proposals include reconstituting the Crofters Commission with up to six area committees that will include crofters elected by crofters, making Highlands and Islands Enterprise the lead organisation for the development of crofting communities and giving the Registers of Scotland responsibility for establishing a new Register of Crofts.
-- Advertisement --
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Russell said:"I believe that empowering crofters to take decisions about crofting is central to securing the future of the sector.
"By reforming the Crofters Commission to make it more democratic and accountable we will return power to those who know what is best for crofting and for their communities.
"One of the priorities of this Government is to support and develop rural communities and I feel today's proposals will do exactly that."
Mr Russell also announced that the proposals would be included in a draft crofting bill which would be available for consultation early next year.
(GK)
