Wednesday April 1st will witness the dawn of a new era for crofting with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) becoming responsible for crofting community development.

Transfer of responsibility from the Crofters Commission recognises the contribution crofting can make to socio-economic development and ensures an integrated approach across the Highlands and Islands.

Environment minister, Roseanna Cunningham said: "For too long, crofting community development has given way to the regulatory priorities of the Crofters Commission (CC).

"By transferring the community development role to HIE the CC can focus and improve on the business of regulation whist community development flourishes."

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Today the environment minister transferred £175,000 from the crofting assistance budget to ensure investment in crofting communities through sustainable economic development.

Development will be delivered through the HIE's Growth at the Edge (GatE) initiative which encourages communities to identify opportunities and prepare Community Growth Plans.

"Opportunities for social enterprises or micro-business developments will also be supported in this initiative which will provide the opportunities needed to encourage entrepreneurship and allow individuals to build positive futures," she said.

HIE Chair, William Roe, said: "We are looking forward to playing our part in the future of crofting, which has been a vital and integral part of many Highlands and Islands communities for generations.

"By working in partnership with communities and other agencies we will support the future of crofting and help maintain this unique culture."

Mr Roe concluded that in assisting communities to incorporate crofting into Community Growth Plans, the HIE will ensure close alignment with the Crofters Commission's regulatory role.

(GK/JM)