Views are being sought on a range of measures to create a system of crofting 'fit for the 21st century'.

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said that the Crofting Reform Bill will set communities on course for a 'stronger, brighter future'.

Launching a consultation into the draft bill, Ms Cunningham demanded an end to the 'corrosive effect of absenteeism, neglect and speculation' and the development of a system which allowed crofters to shape their own destiny.

The Minister said: "Crofting offers a unique model of rural development that will help deliver sustainable economic growth in some of our most remote communities.

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"The proposed Bill will help set crofting on course for a stronger, brighter future.

"We want to place crofters at the heart of decision making; enable them to access finance on the same basis as everyone else; and tackle the corrosive effect of absenteeism, neglect and speculation."

The proposals include the introduction of Area Committees of the Crofters Commission to improve transparency, democracy and accountability, an improved Crofting Register to reduce disputes over boundaries and rights plus granting standard security over croft tenancies allowing crofters to access financial products.

Also included is a proposal for an occupancy requirement for houses built on land taken out of crofting tenure that will address the damaging effect of speculation on croft land and tightening existing requirements on crofters to be resident on, or near the croft, and to work the land.

The consultation ends on August, 12, 2009.

(GK)