Arran, Bute, Greater and Little Cumbrae, Moray and the parts of Highland not already within the Crofting Counties are to be designated as new crofting areas.

The move follows a public consultation which gave resounding support for the plan.

Speaking at the Highlands and Islands Convention, Environment Minister Michael Russell said: "Crofting has a real role to play in not only maintaining vibrant populations and thriving communities in Scotland's less accessible areas but enabling them to grow and prosper.

-- Advertisement --

"We want to see inclusive and dynamic crofting communities and the designation of new crofting areas will aid the sustainable economic growth of these areas.

"The consultation provoked a number of responses but it's fair to say that a strong majority were favourable.

"We will now look at extending the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grants Scheme (CCAGS) to the whole of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Area to ensure crofters in the new area can fully benefit from this funding."

(GK/JM)