THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 1

Scottish Crofting Federation THE CROFTER rooted in our communities The journal of the Scottish Crofting Federation, the only member-led organisation dedicated to the promotion of crofting and the largest association of small-scale food producers in the UK SEPTEMBER 2012 Number 96

Sort your croft To him who hath succession shall be given… icture the following situation: you are he latest Common Agricultural Policy blood we need. The historic basis of SFP since a crofter, or at least you think you are. reform, even at this fairly early stage its inception has deliberately excluded new P Why should you think otherwise as Tin the process, seems set yet again to entrants from the scheme – and that exclusion you’ve worked your croft for twenty years and follow that Biblical dictum. looks set to continue as the post-2013 scheme you have the security of crofting tenure? The establishment of the Single Farm will use 2011 as the reference year. If you had There’s just one snag. The croft is still in the Payment Scheme (SFP) in the last reform in no entitlements in 2003, you therefore had no name of your elderly mother who lives in the 2003 is generally regarded as a disaster. It was entitlements in 2011 unless you purchased croft house. Time goes by and your mother designed to decouple support from production, them in the preposterous artificial market that has to go into residential care, which has to a measure that has emptied the hills of sheep trades in these things to further the profits of be paid for. Along comes a council official who and created a highly successful new breed, the dealers and speculators. informs you that your mother’s assets will be so-called slipper farmer, generously supported The post-2013 proposals offer a one-off assessed and she will be charged care home by the taxpayer for doing precisely nothing. application window to a national reserve of fees on the basis of the value of her savings The 2003 reform was designed to cut entitlements open exclusively to those under and property and that property includes her production and in that regard it certainly 40, who will also receive a 25 per cent uplift in croft tenancy. succeeded. A whole series of reports entitlement value for five years. Undoubtedly, But hang on, you say, that’s my croft. It’s commissioned by the government and up-market land agents and lawyers will be busy been in the family for four generations, it’s an its agencies over the last few years has working out ways for their clients to exploit important part of my livelihood and it’s left to me documented the economic, social and that situation, while those who really need the in my mother’s will. Tough, says the council, it’s environmental damage caused to Scotland’s support will continue to be denied it. in your mother’s name so it’s her asset and it has hills and islands through loss of livestock. Is there a genuine desire to have new a value. It will have to be sold. The global political economy of food has people in agriculture or is the real agenda That’s bad enough, but it gets even worse. drastically changed over the ten years since of government and agri-business one of If an elderly person sells or assigns an the last reform and the need for production consolidation and intensification? Will there asset, including, apparently, a croft tenancy, and food security is back on the agenda. again be an artificial market created in which within five years of going into residential care, The post-2013 CAP proposals at least move entitlements will be traded for profit rather than it is open to the local authority to claim that the towards a link between direct payments and allocated on a basis of need? person has deliberately disposed of the asset production, but in other important respects A superficially-attractive small farmers’ in order to avoid care home charges. will continue and compound the errors and scheme is proposed that would offer crofters We are only aware of one local authority anomalies of SFP. a flat-rate annual payment of between €500 taking this exceptionally harsh line over croft Given the age profile of farmers and and €1000 and a lower requirement of cross- tenancies. They say they are only following crofters and the Scottish Government’s stated compliance, as an alternative to area-based Scottish Government instructions. We commitment to new entrants to the industry, direct payments. However, the rate as proposed disagree. There is nothing in government we expected positive moves in this CAP is far too low to be of interest to many and guidelines to say that a croft tenancy must reform to encourage and support the new would in any case not be available to those be treated as an asset for the purpose of Continued on page 7 assessing care home charges. Someone within that local authority has decided to interpret the guidelines in such a way. If members have had similar experiences, please let us know. Meantime, anyone who could get into this situation should get their croft succession sorted out without delay, as the alternative could be losing their croft. Do it now!

Inside this issue

• SCF Horticulture handbook • Crofting Connections • Community mapping • Food sovereignty • Access on croft land

and much more Martin Benson © 2 THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012

Message from the chair... Derek Flyn Scotland in their preparations for map-based information on every AGM in June, we announced the new Crofting Register. Others croft and every common grazing. changes to the board. Marina are considering the draft plan of But we at SCF are hoping for more. Dennis and Alasdair MacMhaoirn the new Crofting Commission. When crofters map their land it can retired after giving good service and In recent years the Scottish be the starting point for community I wish to record our thanks for the Parliament has invested a asset-planning, working towards a time and effort they have devoted considerable amount of time brighter future. We are encouraging to the organisation. I am pleased reforming the law that applies to crofting communities to see the to report that they have both agreed crofts. The next step is to invest multiple benefits that can be had to continue in valued roles and their public monies in making the from mapping the croft assets as enthusiasm for crofting will not be system work. There are changes a group. lost to us. taking place that will be costly and Meanwhile, we shall become The present board of myself, they will not please everybody. The aware of the impact of the SCF is committed to understanding Commission’s new powers to Fiona Mandeville, Paddy Zakaria these changes, to being able to tackle absenteeism and to deal with and Norman Leask invited possible explain them to our members and neglect and misuse of crofts. This will candidates to attend the AGM n addition to other seasonal to working with government to affect many crofting communities, and we are hopeful that we shall events, this summer finds us busy implement them. We believe we hopefully for the better. shortly be joined by them as fellow Iwith a number of consultations. owe it to the taxpayer to capitalise Previously, I asked members directors of SCF. Some of us have met with and on the investment wisely. to get more involved with SCF Look for the announcement in are responding to the Registers of The Crofting Register will collect activities. The time is ripe. At our the next edition of The Crofter.

Our man in Brussels Norman Leask reports

y recent trip to prepare for my meetings in the Later, through my contacts with Brussels was like the European Commission. The first Shepherd Net, I was invited to take Mcurate’s egg, good in parts. of these was the sheep and goat part in a discussion with German A delayed flight turned into a meat advisory group. The main shepherds, who are taking the EC bonus as I happened to meet issues here are with the individual to the European Court of Justice Struan Stevenson MEP in the electronic identification of sheep over the individual sheep tagging airport, which afforded the (EID) and with the commission’s legislation. So this is why the EC opportunity to put to him some of strange views of permanent officials are so up-tight. A record the issues of concern to crofters. pasture in their CAP proposals. of the meeting follows on page 3. So the time was not wasted. I do not understand why they I completed my trip by attending Arriving in Brussels, I had a call this committee an advisory the agricultural committee of the very worthwhile meeting with the group, when they refuse to discuss European Parliament to observe adviser to the transport, agriculture in a conciliatory or compromising and energy working group of the fashion on these two issues. In their deliberations. While there European Parliament. Many topics fact they stooped to terminological I was able to meet with several of interest were discussed and the inexactitudes, when explaining researchers for the MEPs that I specific circumstances of crofting why individual identification was know and also with MEPs Alan were of great interest to him. introduced. They were so angry Smith and Martin Hausling who Passing through the office of that they closed the meeting are still leading on CAP and EID the European Coordination Via without completing the agenda problems. A suitable opportunity Campesina, I was as usual given or allowing fair discussion on the to get over the message about some very useful information to critical word ‘herbaceous’. our views on EID and CAP.

Crofting law conference he Crofting Law based register. Representatives With afternoon presentations on: of current crofting legislation. Group and the WS from the Scottish Government, • effective title risk There is an optional dinner TSociety's annual crofting Registers of Scotland and the management for crofting in the evening and an optional law conference will take place in Crofting Commission will support lands by Reema Mannah, tour the following morning to a Skye on 21 September. a workshop session to work of First Title; wind farm and the site of the The theme of the conference through how the new registration • the Crofting Register - Battle of the Braes. this year will be the new crofting process might operate in practice. thoughts from a solicitor The conference is open to register and the event will be There will also be question panel by Brian Inkster, Inksters anyone, not just members of chaired by Sir Crispin Agnew of sessions and workshops. Solicitors; and the legal profession. Lochnaw Bt QC. SCF chair Derek Flyn will • recent case law by Scott Deputy chairman of the Scottish give an update on community Blair, advocate. Land Court, Sheriff MacLeod, will mapping. Eric Willis, Registers For full details and to book keynote the conference, looking of Scotland, will explain The event offers a very contact Heather Dodds at the at 100 years of the Scottish the mapping requirements thorough and informed WS Society: hdodds@wssociety. Land Court without a map- of the Crofting Register. overview of significant aspects co.uk; 0131 220 3249. THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 3 German EID The Crofting Commission – court case now the work begins We asked the Crofting Commission for a report Cross (who declared he would not be against EU on their first six months. standing for the convener post) acting as interim chair, there has been no delay to the More from Norman Leask pril 2012 saw the start of a new era for day-to-day business of the organisation. This crofting, with the establishment of the was reflected in the determination of new f we can help the German shepherds to ACrofting Commission. commissioners to carry through the work prove their case against the commission Taking over the role as regulator of crofting begun under the Crofters Commission, taking Iin the European Court of Justice, it will from the Crofters Commission, the new body action on absentee crofters – action aimed at make it possible to continue sheep farming has had an extremely busy first six months, ensuring crofters and owner-occupier crofters in the uplands and periphery of Europe. with a major focus on the production of a draft comply with their legal duty to occupy their Whilst in Brussels as a founder plan setting out the organisation’s vision for a crofts. member of Shepherd Net, the European well-regulated crofting system. The focus of this action so far has been on Shepherds Network, I was invited to meet Once approved by Scottish Ministers, the cases where crofters have been absent from the shepherds of Germany. They explained plan will provide the focus of the Commission’s their crofts for over ten years and now extends the case they are taking to the European work for the next five years. The task of to owner-occupiers as well as croft tenants. Courts of Justice concerning the European developing and consulting on a plan is laid June saw the first batch of decisions under Commission imposition of electronic down in the Crofting Reform Act 2010, which the new Commission, ordering the termination identification devices (EID). established the new Commission. Timescales of tenancies. This work continues, with cases Almost 30 shepherd organisations and were tight, with the plan needing to be being decided each month, following a lengthy at least four MEPs attended. They are not submitted to Scottish Ministers after a six- process aimed at finding a resolution to the asking for money at this time, although no week consultation period. But commissioners individual’s absentee status. doubt extra funds would be helpful. They were up to the challenge, seeing the plan as Speaking on this issue, Sandy Cross just urgently require any evidence that any an opportunity to set out the priorities for the explained, “We would far prefer crofters to individuals or organisations have to back organisation clearly. find a solution to their absentee status. Every their case. Speaking at the launch of the consultation opportunity is given to absentee crofters to They assert that : earlier this summer, interim chair Sandy Cross resolve these situations within a reasonable emphasised the wider benefits to be gained timescale – but if this does not happen, we • Flock identification is all that is required. from a comprehensive plan for the regulation must take the ultimate step and free up crofts If the legislation in 2001 had been properly of crofting. “The next five years are a critical so that they may be let to new tenants who enforced, the foot and mouth outbreak period for crofting. We will have to work hard, will be active and play a part in sustaining would have been easily controlled. The 2007 alongside other agencies and organisations, crofting communities.” outbreak proves this. to ensure crofting is able to play a significant As highlighted in the June edition of The • There is no logical reason that the role in supporting and growing many remote Crofter, the new Commission acknowledges the poorest sector of European farming need be rural communities in Scotland. The purpose of important link to crofting communities played burdened with the most expensive system the plan is to explain to crofters, organisations by grazings committees and the assessors’ of traceability. An Irish friend suggested that and agencies how the Commission makes its network and confirmed its intention to recruit the cattle system proposed by the EU would decisions, in line with legislation. We need to a new assessors’ panel this summer. The new cost around three euros per hectare. The get across to these key groups why we must panel, due to be appointed in September for sheep system forced on us costs around be consistent and fair in the way we regulate a five year period, will for the first time cover 18 euros per hectare. Pigs just need a form crofting. Effective regulation brings with it the new crofting areas of Moray, Arran and the of birth number, even though they were a many pluses for crofting areas and Scotland Cumbraes, as well as areas where new crofts major problem in the 2001 foot and mouth as a whole.” have been created. outbreak. During this key period, the new body has All in all, a challenging but rewarding first • Proportionality would indicate that until been without a convener. But with Sandy six-months! an animal leaves the jurisdiction of the keeper at birth, EID and individual number recording should be voluntary. • EID only works when machinery and tags work. 92-94% seem to be reading successfully. A study of machinery and tags at 600 days has proved that a considerable reduction of success occurs. • Cross-compliance issues on individual identification is driving some people bankrupt or out of the industry, especially those running extensive systems in the hills, thus increasing abandonment. • No impact assessment was carried out before the imposition of individual identification or electronic tagging. If anyone has been affected by any of these issues, please contact s.voell@ baurenverband.net as the German shepherds need you urgently. The meeting accepted that traceability was essential, but the system imposed on us is not fit for purpose. In Shetland, led by vet Hilary Burgess, we are in the process of putting forward an alternative scheme. Hopefully this can be Commissioners with Stewart Stevenson, minister for environment and climate change, at the first presented to the next sheep and goat meat meeting of the board on 2nd April at Great Glen House. advisory committee meeting in Brussels. From left to right: Arnold Pirie, Kathleen Sinclair, Colin Kennedy, Stewart Stevenson MSP, Sandy Cross, William Swann, Murdo MacLennan, Susan Walker, Donald Ross, IG Macdonald 4 THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012

If something ruffles your Looking to diversify part of feathers, your farm or croft? it would be Why not consider woodland planting wise to give ? Mac and Mac The benefits: a call • Regular annual income • Improved shelter The new Mac and Mac • Use for unproductive land Crofting Helpline is now up and running. • Conservation and biodiversity. The Rural Land Team are here to help you with any issues to do Grants are available now for: with crofting law. Tel: 01463 258011, or email: • Stock, rabbit and deer fencing [email protected] From dealing with applications to the • Gates Crofting Commission, the assignation of croft tenancies, the sale and • Initial planting and protection purchase of croft land, and representing clients in the Scottish • Annual maintenance 5 years Land Court, Mac and Mac have the strongest traditions in Crofting Law • Farmland premium 15 years. in the Highlands and Islands. Now only a telephone call away. For more details and a no obligation visit, please contact our Inverness office and ask to speak to 28 Queensgate, Inverness IV1 1YN Fax: 01463 222879 one of our woodland managers. www.macandmac.co.uk Tel: 01463 234633 dunlopEma iltractors: phil.di d88x40uca@ u 28/5/07pm.com 11:39U P PageM T I1LHILL

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Using air source heat pump technology eliminates the need for expensive ground works as the units are Lewis Crofters Ltd self-contained. Installation typically takes less than a day to complete, with minimal disruption to the property. All at an affordable cost of around £3000 including installation. The good news is that energy savings can be as high as SHEEP FEED CATTLE FOOD DRENCHES VACCINES 80% - heating your home for approximately £200 per FERTILISERS HARDWARE annum. Alba is currently working on projects in all areas SEEDS CLOTHING of Scotland. Please ask for a FREE survey. FENCING TRACTOR PARTS Installation references are available on request. FOOTWEAR CAR TRAILERS For further information, contact Bill Hall on 01320 366 808 Lewis Crofters Ltd or email [email protected] Island Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis Telephone 01851 702350 Fax: 01851 703077 www.albaairenergy.co.uk www.lewiscrofters.co.uk THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 5 crofting connections Crofting Connections phase one draws to a close rofting Connections in a range of nurseries, primary from the project website www. Crofter since autumn 2009. is now almost at the end of and secondary schools of all sizes croftingconnections.com. Crofting Connections would Cits three years of exciting throughout the crofting counties. Phase two is set to start this like to thank crofters from Argyll to and productive study of crofting An independent evaluation of autumn, working with an even wider Shetland and all of you who have past, present and future by over the project was commissioned by range of schools in the crofting supported this well-loved project in 2,500 pupils in 59 schools across HIE early this year. The report, counties, including the new areas its three pioneering years, helping the Highlands and Islands. published in May 2012, gave a in Moray and Arran and focussing to nurture our next generation of The project is a testimony to the huge endorsement to the project, on developing better networks crofters who will keep crofting alive hard work and real enthusiasm of from teachers, pupils, crofters, local between schools across the project and thriving in the 21st century. teachers, pupils, parents and other authority education directorates and to showcase the good work which Pam Rodway members of the local community Education Scotland. It is available you will have been following in The project coordinator

Crofting environment fun days – Broadford primary school

n May, 230 primary school Scotland’s only globally-endangered considering the number of children and Lochalsh Renewables Co- children from eleven schools bird, which flies all the way from involved. I was impressed by the operative Limited and sponsorship Iacross Skye and Lochalsh Africa to breed on island crofts. number of local providers involved from Crofting Connections and explored aspects of their crofting Croft biodiversity was the subject and the range of activities on offer. the National Trust for Scotland at heritage as they took part in an of another wildlife workshop as the It gave excellent opportunities to Balmacara Estate. event to celebrate this unique Highland Council and National Trust all of our upper-primary children The organisers would also culture and environment. for Scotland rangers helped pupils to engage with Curriculum for like to thank Broadford primary The organisers of the two-day discover everything from moths to Excellence in a very practical hands- school, the workshop providers, event represented organisations newts in the school grounds. on way. It complemented what we the Forestry Commission, Catriona working with schools in Skye and Gordon Wyness, head teacher are doing in the school in terms Bullivant and all the teachers and Lochalsh – Karen MacRae from of Broadford primary school, of ecoschools and environmental pupils who helped to celebrate the Crofting Connections, Jenny Grant said “The crofting environment education in general.” important contribution of crofting to and crofter John Phillips from the Highland Council countryside fun days were well organised The event wouldn’t have been our environment and culture in Skye ranger service, Gavin Skipper and and a considerable challenge, possible without funding from Skye and Lochalsh. Rule Anderson from National Trust for Scotland Balmacara Estate and Judith Bullivant from Skye and Lochalsh Environment Forum. Both days began with a welcome from Highland councillor, Audrey Sinclair, who as well as opening the event was present as an activity provider in another role – as a beekeeper. The pupils participated in workshops under the four themes of crofting culture; food from the croft; croft wildlife; and crofting craft and skills. Anne Martin and Mairi Sine Campbell provided highly- entertaining workshops on crofting culture as they sang songs and told stories in Gaelic and English. Pupils learned about food production on the croft with Audrey Sinclair, who ran a workshop on bees and honey. The delights of dairying were discovered with crofter- cheesemaker Kathy Biss from Learning to weave West Highland Dairy, Achmore. Meanwhile, Rag Tag ’n’ Textile were on hand to teach the children Crofting Connections is funded by: to weave and Judith Bullivant of Skye and Lochalsh Environment Forum ran a workshop on drystane dyking. Shelagh Parlane and Sarah Stephenson from RSPB held a workshop about birds on the croft, focussing on corncrakes – 6 THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012

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FEEDING EQUIPMENT 0131 348 5766 [email protected] PO Box 5717, Inverness, IV1 1YT CAITHNESS, ORKNEY, SHETLAND, INVERNESS www.handilabour.org.uk Tel: 01955 661211 • 01856 761594 • 01950 460417 • 01463 713270 Fax: 01955 661244 • 01856 761709 • 01950 460013 • 01463 713393 THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 7 To him who hath Wake-up call on potential loss of shall be given… payments on common grazings

Continued from page 1 t the last Scottish Government cross- the rate per hectare is determined by a party group on crofting, chaired by Jamie combination of reference period payments and not already in possession of entitlements, so AMcGrigor MSP and administered by payment period forage claim, so that claimants would be of no benefit to new entrants. SCF, the main subject of discussion was with restricted areas have higher payments per CAP reform is still at a relatively early stage common grazings. hectare. The inability of active shareholders to and there is still time for a change of emphasis. As well as a presentation on mapping the split between their claims all the available SCF has a seat at high-level negotiations common grazings by Simon Allison of the forage only affects LFASS payments and has and will continue to campaign for targeting of Crofting Commission and an update on mapping to date not been a political issue. support where it is needed and for a system the in-bye by SCF’s Russell Smith, Gwyn Jones Post-2013, current EC proposals are for that will open the doors to the new crofters and of the European Forum for Nature Conservation payment rates for the new basic payment to be farmers the country needs. With maximum and Pastoralism gave a presentation – and a set regionally or nationally. Since payment rates support per business set at €300,000 per year wake-up call – on the danger of lost financial will not vary between neighbours, the eligible there is ample scope for top-slicing of high end support looming for common grazings under forage area available to the claimant becomes payments to fund those at the bottom of the the new CAP regime. very important. pile. The alternative is business as usual. A paper outlining the issue can be found on Assuming the rules can distinguish between the SCF website, and in summary: active and inactive claimants (to avoid “To him who hath shall be given.” Why are common grazings important? freeloading by inactive claimants on the back (Mark 4:25) Though covering only 10% of Scottish forage, of the active), the main issue for the common common grazings are declared in 20% of grazings claimants is the area and shares Scottish IACS claims. They are particularly which they use but cannot claim – possibly in Study of options important in socio-economically vulnerable breach of the judgement of the European regions of the country, with 69% of both grazings Court of Justice in the Niedermair-Schiemann area and claimants with grazings located in the case C-61/09. for Skye and HIE fragile areas, where they can account for Scottish Government data from IACS 2009 80% or more of all forage. They are of shows that only 360,360 ha were claimed on Lochalsh abattoir disproportionate significance for the delivery of common grazings parcels whose total area is a range of public goods, from biodiversity to in fact 537,615 hectares. 33% (177,255 eaders of The Crofter will be aware carbon storage. Financial rewards for delivering hectares) was unclaimed, but by implication that SCF formed a working group last Ryear to look at ways of providing an abattoir service for Skye and Lochalsh after a gap of over twenty years. We reported in the last issue on the results of a survey into potential use of such a facility. Currently crofters and farmers in the region have to transport animals for slaughter to Dingwall, a journey of up to three and a half hours, or even take them by ferry to Lochmaddy. The Scottish Government has now agreed to fund a study into options for funding, building and operating a small-scale slaughtering and processing facility which would be co-operatively owned and operated. The study will be carried out by a Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) team led by Portree-based senior consultant Siobhan Macdonald.

SCF’s Crofting Resources Programme Martin Benson manager Donald Murdie said, “We are delighted © that the Scottish Government is to fund this these services, by definition, cannot be was managed in GAEC by those producers work and that we will have the expertise of SAC delivered by the market. who claimed forage on the same parcels. (Note to deliver it. Previous feasibility studies have Why active common graziers are likely to that these figures do not include a further envisaged a full-time, industrial-scale meat lose out from 2014. Direct payments (SPS) 54,286 hectares of common grazings not plant, which clearly would not be viable. The are the main source of support for most claimed even in part and probably therefore not aim of this study is to produce costed plans for claimants in marginal areas, accounting for in use.) a facility appropriate in scale and ownership around 2/3 of area-based payments and a very Losses to Scotland’s most marginal areas high proportion of the gross margin. On common structure, with a flexible operating strategy able can only be estimated until payment levels are grazings, they are usually claimed by the set, but for each £10/ha of basic and natural to respond to seasonal demand. The resulting individual shareholder. Sheepstock clubs are constraints payments, common graziers will report will be made freely available to other an exception. lose over £1.7 million. groups of producers wishing to develop their Forage allocations in IACS are on the basis The default outcome would be inequitable in own small-scale abattoir facilities.” of share of rights (souming), not according to terms of reward/payment for the delivery of SAC’s Siobhan Macdonald said, “SAC is the share of land actually claimed, let alone the public goods – differentiating between payments delighted to work with SCF to investigate a proportion of grazings actually used. Thus on a common grazings with three shareholders, for no objective reason whatsoever and model for a micro-abattoir. Such a venture each can claim only one third of the forage, impacting most seriously on the most vulnerable needs careful consideration, but could provide even if only two make a claim or if only one is producers in the most marginal areas. opportunities for crofters and farmers to reach actively grazing the whole area. A working group is being set up by SCF to new markets and add value to stock reared in However, the historically-based payment is look at possible solutions and to advise the this area of high nature value farming.” effectively independent of forage area, since Scottish Government. 8 THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012

Scottish Crofting Federation

Our mission is to safeguard and promote the rights, livelihoods and culture of crofters TYPICAL COSTS 3 - 5p and their per ewe per day communities

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Broadford, Isle of Skye, IV49 9AP 01471 822 555 www.strathprint.co.uk THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 9 Are predators out of control? Most readers will not be unaware of the issues that have been highlighted again recently in the media regarding sea eagles and their predation on lambs. There are many anecdotes about eagles taking lambs; but for the SCF to lobby the Scottish Government we need to know how big a problem this is perceived to be by our members. Do you think that there are significant livestock (including poultry) losses to predators? If so, which predators are the main problem? Are predators out of control?

Is Scottish legislation sufficient skyebirds.com to control predation? © If not, how should legislation be WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU! Please email or send us a letter. changed to make it workable? And in the meantime – not that crofters ever do – please don’t be tempted to take things into your own hands. Wildlife crime Charles Everitt outlines the work of Certain areas of wildlife they continue to build a wealth of worldwide operations managed the National Wildlife Crime Unit crime are prioritised, based on expertise in this field. by Interpol on traditional either the volume of offending The police are supported by medicine and reptile trades. ildlife crime is or by conservation status. They the Partnership for Action against The recent Wildlife and an area of policing include persecution against bats, Wildlife Crime (PAW). Chaired by Natural Environment (Scotland) Wthat continues to gain badgers, raptors, all forms of the minister for the environment, Act 2011 further strengthened momentum in Scotland. poaching (salmon, deer and hare), PAW consists of a wide variety wildlife crime legislation. As a All police forces have wildlife freshwater pearl mussels and the of organisations committed to result, sentencing powers are crime officers (WCO) specially trade in endangered species. assisting in the fight against wildlife now more consistent, hares are These are regularly reviewed to crime. Their influence in raising trained to undertake investigations afforded greater protection, new and with an understanding of reflect emerging trends. the profile of and addressing conditions apply for non-native complex wildlife legislation. WCOs investigate wildlife specific issues of wildlife crime is species, snaring is soon to They are supported by the crime in an impartial and extremely valuable. There are also become registered and vicarious UK national wildlife crime unit, unbiased manner. As they are several PAW groups consisting of which collates intelligence about only trained in the application of interested partner organisations liability becomes a real threat. It all wildlife crime from a wide variety law, other organisations may be looking at priority crime areas and points to Scotland’s commitment of sources. Their analysts process approached to provide a deeper considering appropriate measures to tackling wildlife crime and to this intelligence, which then assists knowledge on specific species, to prevent further offending. protecting the species that make in directing police action by the equipment or techniques. Several successful, high- up its countryside. WCOs. The unit employs a full- Specialist procurators fiscal profile prosecutions in recent Wildlife crime can be reported at time police officer to help forces in working full-time on wildlife and years demonstrate the success any police station or anonymously Scotland with investigations and environmental casework now of this approach. The Scottish through Crimestoppers on to provide additional expertise. prosecute all wildlife crimes and police also contributed to two 0800 555 111. Rural worker resource rofters throughout the Highlands animal care, plus basic adult education and form or another. Some students are capable of and Islands have an outstanding computer IT skills. The college is an approved gaining full time paid employment. For others Cresource available to them if they are SVQ training centre and students can achieve it will assist them in finding satisfying part-time looking for help at busy times. a qualification in one or more subjects. jobs or engaging in voluntary work. Trained young adults with a learning Cantraybridge gives the opportunity to The students have a strong work ethic and disability, living in our communities, are acquire skills and competencies in rural have had considerable experience in work looking for work experience in agriculture, skills which help hugely in the development which would sit well in the day-to-day tasks of horticulture and general croft work on either of confidence, self esteem, social and crofting. Horticulture is one of the sectors in a voluntary, part-time or full-time arrangement. independent living. The aim is to enable which they excel and considering the increase They have all been trained at Cantraybridge students to realise their potential in living, in polytunnels and general horticulture on College, near Inverness. working and contributing to the community. crofts, this should be an ideal opportunity for Cantraybridge, established in Croy in 1995, The college is also mindful of the need for crofters to access some of the expertise gained is a rural skills training college for young education in health and social issues. by these students. adults with a learning disability. Students are Students can live at the college, which You can find out how to do this by contacting selected from within the age group 16-30 and provides housing with support for 19 people and Cantraybridge College, Croy, Inverness IV2 their training lasts approximately six years. The there they are taught independent living skills 5PP, 01667 493500, or look at their website college provides rural-based vocational training to prepare them for life after Cantraybridge. www.cantraybridge.co.uk. in agriculture, horticulture, estate maintenance, All this builds up their confidence and helps woodwork and poultry rearing, including small them to enter the world of employment in some Marina Dennis 10 THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 crofting resources programme

Kids’ colouring competition – colour in this page and send it to HQ for the chance to win a copy of the book and a pair of kids’ snazzy gardening gloves. Entries by the end of September, please.

Scottish Crofting Federation gratefully acknowledges financial support received from: - THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 11 crofting resources programme

Horticulture – a handbook for crofters

aunched by minister for environment We will offer ways of building and maintaining but has restricted it in others. It has caused Stewart Stevenson at the Black Isle soil fertility and methods to control pests and the demise of many hundreds of family-run UK Lshow in August, this new publication by diseases. In doing so, we will inevitably favour dairy farms while creating the dismal spectre the SCF presents a fresh, authoritative and low-input and sustainable, if not actually of factory-farm milk production. It has brought practical guide to growing and selling produce organic, methods. We will look at available about a dull uniformity in English apple in the crofting areas. machinery; polytunnels and other structures production, extinguishing diversity in varieties Written by a panel of experienced growers, for protected growing; marketing and adding and taste and it continues to ignore much of three of them practicing crofters, the handbook value; availability of grant schemes; and the superb food produced in our own region. It is a thorough, hands-on, well-organised forming groups for mutual support. There is creates mountains of food waste every day at presentation of all the information required guidance on specific crops and case studies every stage of the production and distribution by new and experienced growers. Beautifully on established growers. process. We have, in the formidable food illustrated, the book comes in a convenient “So we hope to prove beyond doubt the case production capacity of our land, the ability to loose-leaf style in a ring binder with space for for crofting horticulture and help to bring about make a difference. you to add your own pages of notes, cropping a step change in local food production. In the “We should do so because we can: the fight plans etc. economic and environmental circumstances back starts here!” As SCF’s Donald Murdie, one of the we face, the sustainability of island and authors, explains in the introduction, “The remote mainland communities will more and Available to SCF members for £10 and non- handbooks seeks to provide a guide for more depend on self-sufficiency in goods members for £15, plus postage if necessary. actual and aspiring growers in the challenging and services, especially food. Supermarket Please contact SCF HQ to order your copy. conditions of the islands and the northern and domination of the entire food chain means that western seaboard of the mainland, as well as most of our food is trucked from warehouses "Horticulture – a handbook for crofters" central highland areas with their high altitudes in the central belt supplied in turn from forms a major part of the SCF’s Crofting and long, bitter winters. We will try to make global sources, which is entirely contrary to Resources Programme, funded by the it relevant to soil and climatic conditions from governments’ aspirations for a low-carbon Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, The Scottish the Mull of Kintyre to Muckle Flugga and economy. That supermarket domination has Government, The European Union and advise on sowing and planting times to suit. undoubtedly extended choice in some areas, Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Scottish Crofting Federation gratefully acknowledges financial support received from: - CRP manager Donald Murdie explains to environment minister Stewart Stevenson how the handbook fits with government policy 12 THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 crofting resources programme Community mapping The small Wester Ross township would not be obligatory without decrofted areas, apportionments It became clear early on that of Badrallach has been the key triggers such as a change in and common grazings. Just as a community map could be location for a recent community tenancy, the government indicated important was that the grazings much more than a demarcation mapping pilot study sponsored there could be financial subsidies committee could carry out of boundaries. Our map could by the SCF. Seoras Burnett, the for communities which acted business harmoniously, allowing hold layers of information and crofter leading the study, explains together to map their townships. good progress and demonstrable become a narrative of our the process. SCF highlighted potential outcomes. community. We could describe challenges in producing the SCF devised a process to guide our history, future developments, eople make maps, maps register whilst promoting the the mapping from inception to a land use, pathways, rights and empower those who make benefits of pre-emptive community final product for submission to responsibilities – anything we Pthem and community mapping. A map-based register, the Register of Scotland (via saw fit. mapping reinforces a sense of reliant on agreed triggers to build the Crofting Commission). This Our basic map is almost community. a database, might take forever, ensured proper consultation. complete and more information Fine words, but why should we could be costly and prone to legal Opportunities for involvement has been gathered for future be delivering community maps, disputes. Pre-emptive community from all parties were held through use. What we learned can be how can it be achieved and what mapping could strengthen progressive versions of the map, can the process deliver? While communities, build social capital, culminating in an accurate 2D used to enable crofters across there are over 18,000 crofts in the prove more economical and representation of boundaries the country to produce their own highlands and islands with crofters facilitate earlier completion of the suitable for the register. bespoke area document. Firstly, managing 750,000 hectares of register. A pilot study to develop We started off with an a facilitator is vital, as s/he unites land, most of this huge asset is this approach was launched. open invitation to all parties disparate elements, enabling unmapped. On selecting Badrallach, a with an interest in Badrallach progress with an unbiased third Clearly something needed to facilitator was appointed and and guided by our facilitator, party view. Secondly the process change so the Crofting Reform the process began. Badrallach, Charlotte Flower, brainstormed should be informal and inclusive to (Scotland) Act 2010 highlighted a although small with 14 crofts, had our way to developing a viable encourage buy-in from everyone. new map-based register as one of an ideal cross-section of active methodology as well as distilling Finally, a map can be an essential its key agendas. Although maps crofters, sub-lets, absentees, our wider aspirations. tool for a sustainable community. THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 13 crofting resources programme HomeStay Boost your income and share your life with friendly visitors

any crofters have considered consider staying on a farm as part of a holiday boosting their income through in rural Scotland. Mhosting visitors, but are also wary of But how do you go about attracting the right the hassle and fear they won't have the space kind of visitor? The way HomeStay works is or the mod cons that they feel visitors expect. simple. The HomeStay International website Fortunately, these aren't an issue if you offer connects people with space to spare in their HomeStay acccommodation. homes with visitors looking for a place to stay. HomeStay is more like having friends come You start a conversation with your visitors to stay. Instead of booking in to an anonymous before they arrive so that both you and they get hotel, your visitors enjoy the relaxed informality a good idea of how it's going to work. You decide of sharing a real home and gaining a genuine who comes to stay – and when – and you decide insight into the crofting life. And you can earn how much to charge. some extra income without turning your home "Visitors love staying with real people and our into a hotel. hosts really enjoy meeting interesting guests," “People are looking for experiences that says Eileen Inglis, one of the founders of are authentic,” says Peter Lederer of Visit HomeStay International. "HomeStay guests are Scotland. "They are weary of package holidays; genuinely interested in sharing their hosts' lives. and the environment has become one of the They're looking for the conviviality of staying most important criteria for today's traveller. with a family, getting a taste of how local people The growing popularity of eco-tourism means live and an understanding of what it actually that Scotland – with its abundance of beautiful means to work a croft. You might even find landscapes, natural attractions and wildlife – has yourself taking a break to stay with some of your everything to offer." guests in their homes!" Working crofts are an ideal place for the kind It's free to register as a host on the of visitor who wants to experience the outdoor HomeStay website, making it a simple way lifestyle and the natural environment of those to attract visitors interested in sharing and Croft Holidays banner unveiled who work the land and maintain traditions, land learning about the beauty of Scotland, its at the RHS to support our and culture. environment and traditions. members with tourism businesses. A recent poll ranked Scotland as the top European eco-destination and ninth in the John Cant You can promote your tourism world. 72% of people polled said they would www.homestayinternational.com business on the SCF website.

Food and craft markets – coming to a village near you

ood and craft markets are to be markets and this is reflected in lower cost to to check with your local authority if you are found in many towns and villages in the stallholders. Similarly, however, the return from considering setting one up. They are subject FHighlands and Islands. sales for stallholders at a community market to all legal obligations regarding environmental It is estimated that there are now around fifty is generally less than at the bigger farmers’ health and food safety. food and craft markets operating in Scotland markets. The cost of a table is often between In the Highlands and Islands, there are with a total estimated turnover of around £1M five and twenty pounds, with the proceeds of regular community markets in Strathpeffer, per annum. Sometimes known as community, sales going directly to the stallholder. Ullapool, Ferintosh, Cromarty, North Kessock, village, country or food and craft markets, these Community markets provide a great Applecross, Benderloch and many other small markets offer a wide range of produce generally opportunity for people from the local area to rural communities. from within the local area. Community markets meet up and purchase goods and produce Douglas Watson, national development can include food, drink, clothes, plants, crafts from within the community. They form and officer for farmers’ markets in Scotland, is and other items bought in to sell. strengthen relationships amongst people and keen to find out if there is any interest amongst Mostly these types of market are run by provide an ideal opportunity for producers to representatives of community markets in the local volunteers, hall committees, community earn some additional income from the sale of Highlands and Islands in meeting up to discuss councils or others. They are very often held their produce. issues that affect the markets and to share in community venues with tables available for Community markets that are run for the ideas and tips. stallholders. Community markets are by and benefit of the community do not generally need Please email [email protected] if large cheaper to run than the larger farmers’ a market operator's licence but it is important you are interested. 14 THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 crofting resources programme Shetland Blackland conference lamb success 15 September, Grimsay

Richard Briggs reports on a recent success he 2012 Michaelmas open day will teens; he is based at SAC Edinburgh. Ken is for his native Shetland lamb. be held on Saturday 15 September at a vegetation specialist, now retired from the TKenary on Grimsay, North Uist. SAC, with long experience in crops and weed n late May I travelled to London As usual, it will include the Blackland management and a particular interest in the for the Good Houskeeping Food conference and Uist Wool workshops and use of herbs such as chicory in grass mixes, Awards ceremony. AGM, a good mix of land-based activities with to accumulate micro-nutrients and so improve I plenty to hear, see and do. I was advised in March that I had been animal health. Bruce and Ken say that nominated, followed by a “maybe you've The theme is "Using Blackland", presenting blackland has its own set of rules and presents the Blackland Index as a simple, do-it-yourself won” invitation in April, but it was not to many surprises to mainstream agronomy. be. Even though there were only two way of figuring out what a particular blackland producers shortlisted for the independent field could be used for: arable? improved grass? Blackland improvement meat producer section, as soon as Pru rough grazing? hopeless? Ken Davies and Some of the theory presented by scientists Leith started talking about happy animals in Bruce Ball will discuss the index as a means of at the first two Blackland conferences is orchards I knew it was not me. evaluating the potential of disused blackland. now being put into practice by the Crofting The big surprise came when my name Oliver Knox (SAC Edinburgh) will give a was one of the three read out in the local food talk on traditional rotations and crops such Environment Improvement Association on the hero category. I had no idea that I had been as tares, beans and buckwheat. These old croft at Kenary. Two small fields have been nominated. This is the first time I have been rotational crops are now being looked at mowed and baled for silage, reclamation to recognised for my role as an ambassador again as fertiliser prices increase, as ways of remove rush/moss/bracken has begun on five for Scottish Crofting Produce in general and restoring soils and keeping them productive. fields and one has been reseeded – a total of native Shetland lamb in particular. After the discussion, conference participants nearly two acres now being managed. The terrace at Lancaster House across can join small groups to try out the index on These are all formerly-arable fields the road from Buckingham Palace was a the croft at Kenary and take away guidelines showing distinct traces of past cultivation, grand setting on a fine summer evening. for use at home. All interested in better uses of confirmed by aerial and ground photography A bit daunting at first when I recognised their blackland are welcome. from the 1950s. Big changes came to the several faces off the telly and everybody With a grant from LEADER, Uist Wool is croft at Kenary, as to many others on the seeming to know each other. However, the now ready to begin construction of the new mill east-side, from the 1960s onwards. Headage Good Housekeeping team soon spotted a on Grimsay. After many years of planning, the payments meant increasing need of grazing Uist Wool Mill will design and spin yarns from fish out of water and introduced me around. for sheep; completion of the causeways west coast sheep of all breeds, for artisan, It was then that I cottoned on to the fact that made fresh milk available and reduced the tourism and Harris Tweed markets. Details of my reward for being judged worthy of a place need to keep a cow. Such external factors the project plus a workshop on wool grading on the shortlist was the opportunity to meet changed how the land was managed. Kenary with the assembly of industry insiders. will be part of the open day. was last ploughed about 1963. So these Many of the awards were collected by the formerly-useful fields have had 50 years to PR department of multinationals and there Blackland mentors deteriorate, losing fertility and gaining plenty was a good contingent from the Masterchef TV We are delighted to announce that Bruce show to collect their award. I was introduced Ball and Ken Davies have accepted the role of unproductive vegetation. to most of them. I sensed good interest in the of mentor to the Blackland Project. Bruce is a handful of products that Good Housekeeping soil scientist who has researched soil structure Blackland Project, 5 Scotvein, Grimsay, North was endorsing in the artisan categories. and gases, as well as ploughing, since his Uist HS6 5HY tel/fax 01870 602954 A great opportunity to spread the good word about Briggs' Shetland lamb and Scottish Crofting Produce. Susanna Robson

Richard Briggs © THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 15 ON THE croft Extending the Look after your soil

oil can be taken for granted too levels, rather than improve low levels, which growing season often, as we neglect management and takes time and costs. Scontinue the same routine year after Having a good soil structure allows the Anne-Clare Landolt asks for input into her year. plant to establish a good root structure innovative research project Concentrate on soil management and your which is dense and deep and allows air to soil will repay you with improved yields and the roots and soil organisms. You will find or the last two years I’ve been un- growth, as the soil is important in providing the soil easy to dig and water is also able dertaking an MSc in renewable energy support, water, nutrients, air, space for root to hold and supply the roots, though excess in the built environment through the growth and warmth for the plant. water can drain away. This will allow the F Maintaining good soil fertility and supply of plant to grow well, with yield and bulk not Centre for Alternative Energy. The final part of this requires a piece of original research on a nutrients to crops depends on: being restricted. A poor soil structure does not allow roots technical subject related to renewable energy. • nutrient return via organic matter to grow deep; they are shallow and can grow I moved to a small farm on the Isle of Mull decomposition from crop residues sideways. Digging the soil is also difficult earlier this year, so I wanted to choose an • other inputs such as fertilisers, manures, etc and when you examine the layers, they are area of research that was of relevance to my • availability of nutrients to plants, of a blocky or prismatic structure. The soil new environment, particularly the problems of influenced by pH, soil structure and can also waterlog, with compaction the main small-scale growing in the Scottish climate; compaction, drainage, etc. Look after your soil reason the water cannot disperse. Your and to put my skills as a civil engineer to use. It is hard to believe that a well-structured, plants will be stunted and with poor yields, I am planning to set up an experiment which Soil can be taken for granted too often, as we neglect management and continue the same routine year after year. fertile soil can have about 7t/ha of life in the so improving the structure should be your looks at combining a simple underground heat top 15cm.Concentrate This includes on soil management 800kg of worms, and your soil will repay you with improved yields and growth, as the soil is important in storage system with a Keder greenhouse to see providing support, water, nutrients, air, space for root aim,growth especially and warmth allowing for the plant.air into the soil and 120kg of nematodes, 1.6t of bacteria, and 2t to break any compacted areas. whether this could viably extend the growing of fungi,Maintaining with the living good soilcreatures fertility andimportant supply of nutrients to crops depends on: • nutrient return via organic matter decompositionThe aim forfrom productioncrop residues of high-value season beyond that already achievable, when in carrying out the decomposition and cost and effort in installation are considered. • other inputs such as fertilisers, manures,horticultural etc crops should always be to mixing the organic• matter with the mineral I’ve chosen a Keder greenhouse as these availability of nutrients to plants, influencedbuild soil byP egand pH, K soilstatus structure until andthey compaction, are high drainage, etc. (inorganic)It is hard matter. to believe So if that you a take well-structured, a spade fertile soil can have about 7t/ha of life in the top 15cm. This includes 800kg of are eligible for CCAGS grant funding and have (according to the SAC scales, which go from worms,and dig 120kg an of inspection nematodes, hole 1.6t of and bacteria, see and low 2t ofvery fungi, low with to theexcessively living creatures high). important This is simple in carrying out the decomposition better insulating properties than standard poly andamounts mixing ofthe wormsorganic ormatter living with activity, the mineral this (inorganic) is matter. So if you take a spade and dig an inspection hole and see low tunnels. The system would essentially mean with non-organic production by using artificial amountsan indication of worms that or the living soil activity, fertility this is is low an indicationand fertilisers. that the soil The fertility easiest is low way and to more do this investigation without is needed. using the mass of soil and subsoil under the Having your soil analysed will show how your soil is performing and what, if any, inputs are needed to help improve more investigation is needed. using artificial fertilisers is by using regular greenhouse to store any additional solar heat performanceHaving your and alsosoil keepanalysed costs willdown. show how Example of analysis applications of bulky organic fertilisers generated during the day, which can then be your soil is performing and what, if any, inputs Sample pH Phosphorus(such as(mg/l) seaweeds,Potassium garden (mg/l) composts, Magnesium (mg/l) released at night. are needed to help improve performance I’ve chosen this topic as I hope it could be Sample 1 Croft 5.1 Low 2.2commercially producedMod 105 composts, straw Mod 72.2 and also keep costs down. applicable to the wider crofting community, Sample 2 Garden 5.5 Low 3.0cattle manures etc).Mod 139 High 224 This analysis shows you which areas were it shown to be viable. The application of fertilisers to the soil is need improvement, allowing you to choose I would really welcome any ideas or thoughts This analysis shows you which areas need improvement,to help increase allowing bulk you andto choose yield, the though correct if fertiliser and apply at the correctthe correct rate. Your fertiliser local SAC and office apply can help it at you the with soil analysis and advise you on which tests are best; and then recommend that any crofters and small-scale growers this is not a major concern and not the main whatcorrect fertiliser rate. to Your use. localGetting SAC the pHoffice correct can and help improving your P and K levels are very important, though are often neglected. It is might have and would be very happy to reason for growing, you can of course grow muchyou easier with soil and analysischeaper to and maintain advise good you levels, on rather than improve low levels, which takes time and costs. provide further information about the research them in the present soil as it is, though bulk which testsHaving are a goodbest; soiland structure then recommend allows the plant to establish a good root structure which is dense and deep and allows air to to anyone who is interested. Although I will be and yields will be significantly lower. thewhat roots fertiliser and soil to organisms. use. Getting You thewill findpH correctthe soil easy toSo dig whatever and water your is also aim, able I wish to hold you and well, supply and the roots, though excess starting the research in the coming months water can drain away. This will allow the plant to grow well, with yield and bulk not being restricted. and improving your P and K levels are very with plans to have trial greenhouses in place A poor soil structure does not allow roots to hopegrow deep;your growing they are season shallow has and been can growa success. sideways. Digging the soil is also in time for the 2013/14 growing season, there difficultimportant, and whenthough you are examine often theneglected. layers, they It areis of a blocky or prismatic structure. The soil can also waterlog, with compaction is no reason why the basis of the idea cannot themuch main easier reason and the watercheaper cannot to maintaindisperse. Yourgood plants will be stuntedRoss and withMackenzie poor yields, SAC so Portree improving the structure should be be modified, added to or even changed. your aim, especially allowing air into the soil and to break any compacted areas. I would also welcome any feedback on the The aim for production of high-value horticultural crops should always be to build soil P and K status until they are high (according to the SAC scales, which go from very low to excessively high). This is simple with non-organic production by using types of crops commonly grown under cover Sample PH Phosphorus (mg/l) Potassium (mg/l) Magnesium (mg/l) artificial fertilisers. The easiest way to do this without using artificial fertilisers is by using regular applications of bulky organic and the types of practices employed within the fertilisersSample (such 1 Croft as seaweeds,5.1 gardenLow 2.2 composts, commerciallyMod 105 produced composts,Mod straw 72.2 cattle manures etc). crofting community with particular reference to SampleThe 2 Garden application 5.5of fertilisersLow 3.0 to the soil is to helpMod increase 139 bulk and yield,High though 224 if this is not a major concern and not the extending the growing season. My research main reason for growing, you can of course grow them in the present soil as it is, though bulk and yields will be significantly lower. has a focus on the technical renewable side So whatever your aim, I wish you well, and hope your growing season is a success. but I want to ensure the horticultural aspects Ross Mackenzie SAC Portree are appropriate and relevant as well. Compacted soil Good root depth

Please contact me at [email protected]. Keder © Compacted soil

Good root depth 16 THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 ON THE CROFT CAP beyond 2013 Anna Gamble of SAC in Inverness gives Each holding will receive a payment per will prove difficult to meet. an update hectare for respecting certain agricultural The proposals could also offer additional practices beneficial to the climate and the support for areas with natural constraints; this othing is agreed until everything is environment, in addition to the basic payment. would not affect the LFA payments. agreed – a quote from Danish agriculture This greening payment will be compulsory and New entrant young farmers (under 40) minister Mette Gjerskov as she prepared the proposed measures include maintaining N are also likely to be supported under the to hand the presidency of the agriculture council permanent pasture, cultivating at least three proposals, with the basic payment topped up over to Cyprus. crops on arable land and maintaining an As a summary, this statement is depressingly by an additional 25% for the first five years. accurate; while there has been much debate This payment is likely to be limited to the since the proposals were published last maximum of the average farm size in that October, there is little concrete to report on at member state. The basic payment is also to this stage. be capped at €300,000 per year per farm. What we do know about the Commission’s A positive change for crofters in the proposals on CAP reform is that a new basic Commission’s proposals on CAP comes in payment scheme for direct payments will apply the form of the small farmers scheme. Any after 2013, with an obligatory move towards farmer eligible to claim support in 2014 may a uniform payment per hectare at a national decide by 15 October 2014 to participate in or regional level by the start of 2019. Like the current scheme, these payments will be the small farmers scheme and receive an subject to cross compliance. However there annual fixed payment of between €500 and are various simplifications to the current €1000, regardless of the farm’s size. This will requirements, with the number of rules offer an enormous simplification of the current under statutory management rules and good scheme, with participants facing less stringent agricultural and environmental condition cross-compliance requirements and exempt being reduced, to exclude elements that are ecological focus area of at least 7% of farmland. from greening. not relevant to the farmer. In addition to cross The requirement to grow at least three crops Whilst the support payments offer a lifeline compliance, payments will be targeted to should not be too much of a challenge for larger to those operating in remote areas, which can active farmers in a bid to exclude payments arable farmers. However in livestock areas, drive up the cost of production, it is important to applicants who have no real or tangible where farmers might grow only a couple of to the long-term success of any business that agricultural activity. fields of spring barley or maize, this requirement the business enterprises are performing to their optimum. SAC agricultural consultants can help crofters and farmers to understand Knowledge-share events the implications of the CAP post 2013 and can assist with completing the relevant paperwork. o you want to get involved in woodland Each event will focus on one of the three In addition SAC can provide business advice on crofting? Are you a potential crofter or a main components of the scheme and how each community or landowner wanting to con- interacts with the others, with CWT looking at technical issues including enterprise costings and D planning, grant applications to support business vert land to woodland? These events are for you. woodland enterprises, SCF on crofting and The Community Woodland Association HSCHT on housing options. The seminars will be improvement and diversifications to introduce (CWA), SCF and Highlands Small Communities spread geographically from Kilfinnan to Gairloch new income streams. However, as the final details Housing Trust (HSCHT) will hold three events and Tain. of CAP post 2013 are yet to be decided, there is between September and December (dates tbc) Representatives from the three organisations no need to make changes until details of the new aimed at those interested in woodland crofts and will be in attendance to give advice. support schemes are finalised. becoming woodland crofters/landlords or making Further details from The devil will be in the detail and SAC will land available for this use. HSCHT: [email protected] or www.hscht.co.uk. endeavour to keep our subscribers updated.

Cattle in woodland, Dunbeath Threshing at Daviot – see page 22 THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 17 ON THE CROFT Ram management Food sovereignty: and health what are we talking about? The use of unsound rams can soundness examination, which Food sovereignty is a set of rely on non-renewable resources. reduce the lambing percentage may then be followed by a period of principles developed by La Via Superficially, the food system seems and may result in a protracted 6-8 weeks of infertility as the sperm Campesina, the movement to be working well in the UK. lambing period. cells damaged in production come which brings together 200 Supermarkets appear to offer through the system. million small and medium-scale convenience, choice and efficiency, t is therefore important that There are a number of conditions farmers and agricultural workers with people having to spend much less rams are in good body condition of the reproductive tract which from 70 countries. of their income on food than just a few Iand free of disease for at least can adversely affect ram fertility, decades ago. two months before mating, during sometimes permanently. Common he concept of food This food system imposes many which time sperm production occurs. disorders of breeding rams include: sovereignty evolved through the hidden costs on the public. These Nutritional preparation for the mating experience and analysis of the include clean-up costs for pollution T from industrial agricultural systems, tax season requires long-term planning, • epididymitis (inflammation of people who produce most of the so simply turning the rams away to a credits to top up food workers’ low the epididymis) world’s food. At its heart it puts the very bare field outwith the mating period is wages and the burden on the NHS • inguinal hernia people who produce, distribute and usually inadequate. from diet-related diseases. • testicular degeneration and consume food at the centre of food systems and policies, rather than the Supermarkets also funnel money out testicular hypoplasia (small Sourcing replacement rams demands of markets and corporations of local communities to management or shrunken testicles) Replacement rams should be that have come to dominate the global and shareholders, unlike local food • cryptorchidism (rig) acquired at least eight weeks food system. businesses and projects which tend to before the start of the breeding • scrotal mange recycle money within the economy of • traumatic injury to the scrotal season, to allow them to adapt to The principles of food sovereignty the local area. contents their new environment and diet. can be summarised as: Ideally, introduced rams should • scrotal abscesses be separated from the main flock • urolithiasis (bladder stones • Food as a right, not a for at least four weeks, during or gravel) commodity. Food sovereignty upholds which period they should receive • balanoposthitis (pizzle rot) the right of individuals and communities standard quarantine treatments as to define their own food and agriculture systems to provide healthy and detailed in your sheep health plan Assessing breeding soundness culturally-appropriate food. and be closely monitored for signs Rams should be checked for of disease. breeding soundness well in advance • Valuing food providers. Small (at least 6-8 weeks) of the mating farms and crofting are not valued and General health and common season to allow time for the purchase are being lost at an alarming rate. In disorders of rams of replacements if necessary. Europe, for example, three family Sperm production and Ram soundness investigations farms disappear every minute. Food maturation takes approximately should include: sovereignty asserts food providers’ eight weeks, during which period rights to live and work in dignity. • a relevant history of each ram Local produce in Italy the spermatozoa in the testicles • a full clinical examination • Prioritising local and regional – sperm cells “in production” – A handful of multinational • a thorough genital provision over distant markets. are highly sensitive to changes in corporations are increasingly examination and, if required Food is first and foremost sustenance testicular temperature and will be dominating the production, • a semen examination. for the community and secondarily a processing, distribution, marketing easily damaged by any general commodity to be traded. Food disease or management conditions and retailing of food. This Moredun has produced two sovereignty means that local and concentration of power enables that cause a significant or prolonged regional provision takes precedence increase in testicular temperature. technical guides for farmers on them to wipe out competition over supplying distant markets and Spermatozoa already stored in the the subject of preparing rams for or dictate tough terms to their export-orientated agriculture is rejected. epididymis can also be damaged, breeding and general ram health. suppliers on everything from prices Food sovereignty works to bring food but are less sensitive to heat stress If you would like a free copy of to standardised products. Sixty producers and consumers closer than those in production. This can these newsheets please contact years ago, European and US together. lead to rams appearing physically Maggie Bennett at The Moredun farmers received 45-60 per cent of normal, and even producing a good Foundation, phone 0131 445 5111 • Control of land and resources the money that consumers spent quality ejaculate during a breeding or email [email protected] being in the hands of food producers on food. By 2002, that had dropped rather than privatised by to seven per cent in the UK. corporations. It also means that A huge number of livelihoods resources can be used in more socially- in farming and independent and environmentally-sustainable shops have been destroyed, with ways. pressure for low prices encouraging exploitation of agricultural workers . • Building knowledge and skills in the UK and abroad. Food sovereignty calls for valuing and Food sovereignty is concerned support for producers’ knowledge and with the power imbalances skills, as this local expertise can often inherent in the current global food be undermined by modern system and who controls how food technologies, such as genetic is produced and distributed. It is modification. about people’s democratic right to • Protecting natural resources. decide and take control of their own Food sovereignty principles food and agricultural systems. advocate working with nature and It is important that rams are in good body condition and free of avoiding environmentally- Another food system is possible. disease before the breeding season begins. damaging industrial methods that Let’s make it happen! 18 THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 LANDMAPS LANDMAPS

Inksters can provide you with

Landmaps provide accurate maps that are suitable for all aspects of specialist advice on all aspects land management from buying or selling land, to farm and forestry management. We can define croft boundaries for land registry purposes of crofting law throughout the Landmapsand provide provide Ordnance Survey accurate maps, aerial photos maps and land use that maps. are suitableCrofting for all Counties aspects from of our offices land managementAll types of area measurementsfrom buying or selling land, toin farm Inverness and andforestry Glasgow. Ordnance Survey maps management.Land We use surveys can define croft boundaries for land registry purposes De-crofting plans Glasgow and provide OrdnanceProperty sale plans and land registry Survey maps maps, aerial photos and land use maps. Croft, farm and estate management maps Brian Inkster Maps for SRDP applications Maps for planning applications Solicitor + Notary Public 0141 229 0880 All types of area measurements [email protected] LANDMAPS Ordnance Survey maps Inverness Land use surveys KELSO Eilidh Ross TD5 7QE Solicitor + Notary Public De-crofting plans 01573 225 028 07789 220 469 01463 210 333 [email protected] Property sale plans andwww.landmaps.co.uk land registry maps [email protected] Croft, farm and estate management maps Maps for SRDP applications croftinglaw.com

Maps for planning applications crofter 88x130 120202 03/02/2012 15:14 Page 1

ANDERSON MACARTHUR Fresh look… Solicitors Simon A. Fraser, OBE, D.L., M.A., N.P. Fresh LANDMAPSideas… Duncan M. Burd, LL.B., Dip.L.P., N.P. Practice Manager: Michael I. Ferris, C.A Fresh thinkinKELSOg… Solicitors and Estate Agents TD5 7QE serving the Highlands and Islands 01573 225 028 for over 100 years 07789 220 469 [email protected] Old Bank of Scotland Buildings, Stornoway, www.landmaps.co.uk Isle of Lewis HS1 2BG Tel: 01851 703356 Fax: 01851 702 766 The land, the language, www.anderson-macarthur.com and the people AWARD-WINNING COMBINATION MacDonald House, Somerled Square, OF OLD AND NEW Portree, Isle of Skye IV51 9EH Tel: 01478 612197 Fax: 01478 612 451

E R Simon Fraser is accredited by the Law A P S P Every E W N D N E W - O 2 E 01 Society of Scotland as a specialist in Y E Y 2 5 L O AR lly M P RU o E EB D S T 3 F ic I R Y PROFILE F A m f Thursday S ID a R n K ’ F y d o Crofting Law. U D o H E Le T ac n M ga 75 ve 20 un No n D 2 e o

e m

THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 19 Croft access problems

Eilidh Ross from Inksters Solicitors, (or does not respond), the crofter may request to be reasonable. Access problems Inverness, looks at a common problem on compel him to do so by using one of two seldom have easy solutions and even if one croft land. mechanisms provided by the crofting acts. of the aforementioned possibilities is open There may, of course, be situations in to you, there is no guarantee that the land ccess problems are not peculiar which a landlord is simply unable to assist, court will grant the order you apply for. to crofts. rather than unwilling. If you are having access problems A Most of us will know somebody who The first mechanism is to begin (whether your land is a croft or not) get in has been unfortunate enough to become negotiations with the croft landlord to acquire touch with lnksters and we will be happy to involved in one at one time or another. The the croft land and or croft house and garden discuss things with you. We regularly visit thing to bear in mind is that croft access is ground. As part of those negotiations, the different parts of the Highlands (we are in a very different animal to servitude right of crofter will wish to ensure that he obtains Skye and Wester Ross on a monthly basis, access. Unlike a servitude right of access, the necessary rights to enable access to the in the Western Isles in early September a croft access exists once it is used as such land. If the crofter cannot reach agreement 2012 and in Shetland on a regular basis) and cannot disappear through non-use. with his landlord, he may apply to the and would be happy to meet with you to Once established, a croft access stays in Scottish Land Court for an order authorising discuss things in person. Depending on the place and a crofter is entitled to rely upon it. him to acquire his croft, on such terms and location of your land (ie whether it is close Despite the strength of a croft access, conditions as the court thinks fit – including to where you live), this may also allow us to landlocked crofts do exist but are, thankfully, conditions as to access, for example. see the layout of the land, which will assist a rare phenomenon. They arise due to a The second mechanism is for the crofter to us in advising you. variety of reasons and can be troublesome apply to the Scottish Land Court for an order The position regarding access for owner- to remedy. If a tenant crofter considers his specifying an access route. This mechanism occupier crofters is different and will be (or, of course, her) croft to be landlocked, he would only be of assistance where the land addressed in a future article in The Crofter. would usually look to his landlord to assist over which the crofter seeks access is him to access the land for which he pays owned by the same person as the crofter's [email protected] rent. If the landlord does not cooperate own croft; and the court must consider the 01463 210333 or 07747 688037 Young crofters – global solutions Susan Pettie from Glenelg reports crofters project, Karen MacRae and I travelled While the official UN process disappointed to Strasbourg last November to take part in a many people, having spent this time with ia Campesina (VC) is the international YECVC study session in the youth centre of people who are doing it for themselves and peasant farmers’ movement. the Council of Europe. making sustainable development a reality, I am V Started in 1993, now with 150 Linking into the European youth network and energised and positive. I came home with 7kg of member organisations in 70 countries, it mailing list meant spotting an opportunity this new ideas and connections, plans for Scotland/ represents about two million farmers. Working year to go as a YECVC representative to the Brazil partnerships connected to the landless with small and medium-sized agriculture from people’s summit for social and environmental peoples' movement. Scotland has much to offer the global north and south, VC campaigns justice (Cúpula dos Povos) in Rio de Janeiro, in the way of hope for the world – our parliament’s for agrarian reform and food sovereignty – Brazil. This was the civil society and social ambitious carbon reduction targets; community small-scale sustainable production benefiting movements’ parallel conference to the land ownership; community energy ownership; communities and their environment, with official United Nations Rio+20 conference on urban growing and local food movements gender equality central to that struggle. SCF sustainable development. with crofting a core part of that; as well as the is the UK member. I joined Alexander from Germany and hunger for more equity and environmental care VC is a decentralised and grassroots Javier from Spain as the ECVC reps, staying demonstrated by people across the country. movement organised into nine regions. Here for a week in a primary school downtown Rio This is a crunch time for the future of our in Scotland we are part of the European with international VC members from all over species on the planet, fulfilling our food and Coordination Via Campesina (ECVC). ECVC the world including Palestine, Peru, India, energy needs in a way which sustains rather was formed with the express aim to influence Indonesia, America, Canada, Chile, Mali, South than degrades our environment is essential, the current reform of the Common Agriculture Africa and Zimbabwe. We all gave voice to the Crofting is a central part of that, and we need Policy, so that its policies support food essential messages of VC – food sovereignty, more young crofters to secure this sustainable sovereignty in Europe and across the world. • agrarian reform, • support for peasant and future. At the international level VC has had youth family farm agriculture and • a different energy representation since 2004 and in 2007 ECVC model – in the participatory assembly process http://viacampesina.org/en started a youth group. As part of the young at the people summit. http://www.eurovia.org

Susan Garde Pettie with Alex Kawakami, agroecologist from Movimento dos Trabalhardores Rurais Sem Terra (the landless people's movement). 20 THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012

~ Everything for the Crookmaker ~ ‘EverythingBuffalo forhorn— the Preformed Crookmaker’ handles – Ferrules+Collars buffalo horn • preformed handles • ferrules & collars Files + Rasps – Shanks – files & rasps • shanks • adhesives & abrasives • forming jigs Adhsives+Abrasives – knifemaking • archery & guntrades catered for • finished hornware Forming Jigs Largest diverse horn,Knifemaking, bone and antlerArchery stockholding in Europe Free& Guntrades printed catalogue catered on for.request. Free tickets Complete up to dateFinished catalogue Hornware at www.highlandhorn.com Hard stag antler / tup horn bought for top cash rates Largest diverse Horn, Bone & competition WarehouseAntler premises stockholding Alness. Visitors in Europe by appointment SCF members can win one of two pairs of adult tickets. TheFree Highland printed catalogue Horn Company on request Ltd Taigh naComplete Corrach, up Knockmuir,to date catalogue Avoch at IV9 8RD Tel: 01381www.highlandhorn.com 622488 Mob: 0774 810 5415 Just send a postcard to SCF HQ by 17 September, giving your name and [email protected] membership number. Winning entries will be drawn on 17 September. Hard Stag antler / Tup horn bought for top cash rates The festival is organised by smallholders for smallholders, crofters Warehouse premises Alness. Visitors by Appointment and folk keen to grow their own food. There will be local food and crafts, including a craft and produce competition, sausage competition The Highland Horn Company Ltd Taigh na Corrach, Knockmuir, and a demonstration area with a programme including peg looming, Avoch IV9 8RD extreme knitting, essential oil extraction and cider making. Tel 01381 622488 Mob 0774 810 5415 [email protected] There will be a wide range of trade stands from the renewables sector, livestock, land management, poultry equipment and books.

The main market area has livestock, poultry and waterfowl shows Regulating to promote active crofting, to help sustain the – pigs, sheep and goats plus Shetland, Dexter and Highland cattle. wellbeing of rural communities. Classes will encourage exhibiting rare and traditional breeds and the festival is supported by the Rare Breed Survival Trust. Riaghladh airson croitearachd gnìomhach adhartachadh gus cuideachadh le mathas nan coimhearsnachdan dùthchail Seminars and demonstrations run throughout the day –including Zero Waste Scotland on wormeries and composting, a chumail suas. Barenbrug UK on renovating grassland and Alpaca Farmers Great Glen House, Leachkin Road of Scotland. Inverness, IV3 8NW. T: 01463 663 439 Get your entries in to win those tickets now! E: [email protected]

Crofter advert CROFT MAPPING StOCkright SySteMS Mapping and surveying services for: Livestock Agency • Pedigree & Commercial All stock sourced On-farm Consultations • Decrofting applications CROFT MAPPING : CROFT MAPPING : CROFT MAPPING • • Croft divisions Mapping and surveying services for: Osmonds Supplier • Decrofting applications • Registration • Croft divisions • Planning applications • Registration Finance for Livestock, Machinery, Farms, • Planning applications • Deed plans • Deed plans Businesses and Vehicles

Call: 0791-2217232 Years of experience, reasonable ratese-mail: and [email protected] based in Contact Cecil Pirie on 07876 045133 www.highlandgeomatics.co.uk Dave Thompson MSP Dingwall so easy access to most ofYears the of Highlands experience, reasonable rates and based in Dingwall www.stock-man.co.uk so easy access to most of the Highlands Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency (SNP) CeCil Pirie of StoCkright SyStemS has over forty years’ experience Call: 0791-2217232 • e-mail: [email protected] • www.highlandgeomatics.co.ukCROFT MAPPING : CROFT MAPPING CROFT : MAPPING An t-Eilean Sgitheanach Loch Abar agus Bàideanach the livestock world, working with cattle, sheep and pigs. Cecil has an extensive knowledge of sourcing and selecting breeding stock, I hold regular surgeries and advertise including setting up programmes for breeding high quality stock for top class these in local newspapers. meat production in both cattle and sheep. He is able to provide advice on pedigree and commercial animals, whatever I am always happy to hear from you. Dave Thompson MSP your requirements may be; on-going breeding for stamina and hardiness, No matter how small the problem is, I quality of meat; and/or sourcing the animal that is most suited to your needs Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency (SNP) always do my very best to help. and location. An t-Eilean Sgitheanach Loch Abar agus Bàideanach Cecil believes strongly in the capability of west-coast crofting areas to Constituency includes Dingwall, the Black Isle, Aird and Loch Ness I hold regular surgeries I hold regular surgeries Constituency Office, Thorfin House, and advertise these in local and advertiseproduce these in local hardy, healthy stock utilising native and traditional breeds on hill newspapers. newspapers. Bridgend Business Park, Dingwall, IV15 9SL I hold regular surgeries. grazings. He is very keen to work with a group of crofters or a township to Phone: 01349 864701 Fax: 01349 866327 I am always happy to hear I am always happy to hear from you. fromestablish you. a high quality nucleus herd of suckler cows of uniform breeding and I am always happy to hear fromNo matter how you. small the No matter how small the Email: [email protected] problem is, I always do my problem is, I always do my very best to help. very wouldbest to help .like to hear from anyone interested in working with him. No matter how small the problem is, Cecil always has customers waiting for good quality, hardy breeding stock A’ seasamh nan còraichean agadsa - Standing up for you I always do my very best to help.Dave Thompson MSP andDave can adviseThompson on marketing. MSP He also sees a need for local abattoirs and local Dàibhidh MacThòmais BPA Dàibhidhbranding of MacThòmais meat as a means BPA of getting recognition for the quality of west coast Constituency Office, Thorfin House, Bridgend Business Park, Dingwall,Member IV15 of the9SL Scottish Parliament for Skye, Lochaber and Bade- Memberstock of the Scottish and Parliamentachieving for Skye, added Lochaber value and Bade- for the producer. noch constituency (SNP) noch constituency (SNP) Phone: 01349 864701 Fax: 01349 866327 Cecil’s services are as individual as his customers so he invites you to get in An t-Eilean Sgitheanach Loch Abar agus Bàideanach An t-Eilean Sgitheanach Loch Abar agus Bàideanach Email: [email protected] touch for a friendly, informative chat to discuss your livestock requirements. Constituency includes Dingwall, the Black Isle, Aird and Loch Constituency includes Dingwall, the Black Isle, Aird and Loch www.davethompsonmsp.org Ness Ness Telephone Cecil on 07876 045133.

Constituency Office, Thorfin House, Bridgend Business Park, Constituency Office, Thorfin He House, is Bridgend available Business Park, from 8am to 7pm, or visit his website. I hold regular surgeries Dingwall, Ross-shire,I IV15hold 9SL regular surgeries Dingwall, Ross-shire, IV15 9SL and advertise these in local Phone: 01349 864701 Fax:and 01349advertise 866327 these in local Phone: 01349 864701 Fax: 01349 866327 www.stock-man.co.uk. A’ seasamhnewspapers. nan còraichean agadsaEmail: – [email protected] up fornewspapers. you Email: [email protected] www.davethompsonmsp.org www.davethompsonmsp.org I am always happy to hear I am always happy to hear from you. Standing up for you from you. Standing up for you No matter how small the A’ seasamh nan còraicheanNo matter agadsa how small the A’ seasamh nan còraichean agadsa problem is, I always do my problem is, I always do my very best to help. very best to help.

Dave Thompson MSP Dave Thompson MSP Dàibhidh MacThòmais BPA Dàibhidh MacThòmais BPA

Member of the Scottish Parliament for Skye, Lochaber and Bade- Member of the Scottish Parliament for Skye, Lochaber and Bade- noch constituency (SNP) noch constituency (SNP)

An t-Eilean Sgitheanach Loch AbarI agushold regular Bàideanach surgeries An t-Eilean Sgitheanach LochI hold Abar regular agus surgeries Bàideanach and advertise these in local and advertise these in local newspapers. newspapers. Constituency includes Dingwall, the Black Isle, Aird and Loch Constituency includes Dingwall, the Black Isle, Aird and Loch Ness I am always happy to hear NessI am always happy to hear from you. from you. Constituency Office, Thorfin House, BridgendNo matter Business how small Park, the Constituency Office, Thorfin House,No matter Bridgend how small Business the Park, problem is, I always do my problem is, I always do my Dingwall, Ross-shire, IV15 9SL Dingwall, Ross-shire, IV15 9SL very best to help. very best to help. Phone: 01349 864701 Fax: 01349 866327 Phone: 01349 864701 Fax: 01349 866327 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.davethompsonmsp.org www.davethompsonmsp.org Standing up for you Dave Thompson MSP Standing up for youDave Thompson MSP A’ seasamh nan còraichean agadsaDàibhidh MacThòmaisA’ BPA seasamh nan còraicheanDàibhidh agadsa MacThòmais BPA

Member of the Scottish Parliament for Skye, Lochaber and Bade- Member of the Scottish Parliament for Skye, Lochaber and Bade- noch constituency (SNP) noch constituency (SNP)

An t-Eilean Sgitheanach Loch Abar agus Bàideanach An t-Eilean Sgitheanach Loch Abar agus Bàideanach

Constituency includes Dingwall, the Black Isle, Aird and Loch Constituency includes Dingwall, the Black Isle, Aird and Loch Ness Ness

Constituency Office, Thorfin House, Bridgend Business Park, Constituency Office, Thorfin House, Bridgend Business Park, Dingwall, Ross-shire, IV15 9SL Dingwall, Ross-shire, IV15 9SL Phone: 01349 864701 Fax: 01349 866327 Phone: 01349 864701 Fax: 01349 866327 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.davethompsonmsp.org www.davethompsonmsp.org Standing up for you Standing up for you I hold regular surgeries I hold regular surgeries and advertise these in local A’ seasamh nan còraicheanand advertise agadsa these in local A’ seasamh nan còraichean agadsa newspapers. newspapers.

I am always happy to hear I am always happy to hear from you. from you. No matter how small the No matter how small the problem is, I always do my problem is, I always do my very best to help. very best to help.

Dave Thompson MSP Dave Thompson MSP Dàibhidh MacThòmais BPA Dàibhidh MacThòmais BPA

Member of the Scottish Parliament for Skye, Lochaber and Bade- Member of the Scottish Parliament for Skye, Lochaber and Bade- noch constituency (SNP) noch constituency (SNP)

An t-Eilean Sgitheanach Loch Abar agus Bàideanach An t-Eilean Sgitheanach Loch Abar agus Bàideanach

Constituency includes Dingwall, the Black Isle, Aird and Loch Constituency includes Dingwall, the Black Isle, Aird and Loch Ness Ness

Constituency Office, Thorfin House, Bridgend Business Park, Constituency Office, Thorfin House, Bridgend Business Park, Dingwall, Ross-shire, IV15 9SL Dingwall, Ross-shire, IV15 9SL Phone: 01349 864701 Fax: 01349 866327 Phone: 01349 864701 Fax: 01349 866327 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.davethompsonmsp.org www.davethompsonmsp.org Standing up for you Standing up for you A’ seasamh nan còraichean agadsa A’ seasamh nan còraichean agadsa THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 21 A’ meomhrachadh air feur n dèidh earrach cho agus ann an cruachan, le stoidhle tioram ‘s a chunnaic sinn eadar dhealaichte bho sgìre gu Ariamh, chan eil e nis cho sgìre. Tha samhraidhean tioram soirbh sìde mhath fhaighinn teth acasan ge-tà agus ‘s e dìth airson feur a dhèanamh. Carson innealan, no ‘s dòcha cosgais ge-tà, feur an àite silage? innealan a tha gan cumail ris na Chan fheum thu ach latha no dhà dòighean tradaiseanta. tioram airson silage a dhèanamh. Aig aon àm ann an Alba, bha Ach tha grunn adhbharan nach inneal-tiormachaidh ga mholadh eil silage cho freagarrach don mar fhuasgladh don t-sìde chroit bheag. Tha cosgais àrd, dhoirbh. Bhiodh tu a’ bèileadh an dàrna cuid airson innealan, an fheòir mum biodh e buileach no airson cuideigin a phàigheadh tioram, agus bhiodh gaotharan aig a bheil na h-innealan sin; san t-sabhal a’ cur crioch air an agus sa gheamhradh, ma tha thu tiormachadh. Bha seo cosgail ann ag obair tron latha, tha e tòrr nas an connadh, agus an-diugh cha fhasa beagan feòir a thilgeil do na bhiodh e idir glic. beothaichean, gu h-àraidh ma tha Tha an t-sìde ann an Nirribhidh iad a-staigh. san t-samhradh gu math coltach Dè ma-tà, an dòigh as ris an t-sìde againn, agus ‘s e èifeachdaiche air feur a an dòigh thradaiseanta acasan, Tha obair an lùib na dòigh seo dhèanamh iomadach turas, ach dhèanamh ann an taobh an iar am feur a thiormachadh air cuideachd, ach ma tha aon latha feumaidh tu pòlaichean gu leòr, Alba? B’ àbhaist croitearan a feansaichean, a tha gan cur tioram airson am feur a ghearradh agus uèir lùbach, agus luchd- bhith dèanamh chocannan no suas a dh’aona-ghnothach, le ‘s a chrochadh, ‘s e sin a tha dhìth, obrach. ‘S e saothair a th’ ann, ach rucan, agus ma tha trì làithean stobannan caola air an gearradh chan eil an còrr obrach ann ach aig deireadh an t-samhraidh, chan tioram agad, tha sin èifeachdach bhon choille agus uèir lùbach. ‘S am feur a thoirt dhachaidh nuair eil sion nas fheàrr na sabhal làn ged a tha obair mhòr nan lùib. Bha e an rud sònraichte mun dòigh a tha e tioram. agus boltrach cùbhraidh an fheòir. mi fortanach an samhradh seo, seo, gu bheil iad a’ crochadh an Obraichidh an dòigh seo a bhith thall ann an Romania, far fheòir air na uèirichean nuair a tha glè mhath an taobh an iar na am faca mi feur ann an cocannan, e ùr, an latha a thèid a ghearradh. Gaidhealtachd, tha sinne air a Gabhan Mac a' Phearsain Putting Gaelic to work with Ùlpan "It’s a good way for crofters to modern Hebrew and has been supplement their income, once used in Wales, where Wlpan has you’re in that classroom, you’re brought thousands of adult learners flying!" to fluency in Welsh. There are SCF member Donald MacSween regular training weekends for Gaelic is 28 and from Ness, a district in the speakers wishing to train as tutors. north end of the Isle of Lewis. As Donald did his Ùlpan training in with most crofters, he works the land 2007, through Lews Castle College in addition to his day job. in Stornoway. “I was self-employed Donald says, “I’ve been involved for nearly four years and Ùlpan with crofting from a very early age. was a big, big part of the work I My family have always been crofters and most of the early memories of was doing. The training itself was my life involve sheep in one form or quite straightforward. I have met another and other crofting activities. so many different people through I started to get more and more Ùlpan – that is probably one of the involved up until my parents gave most enjoyable aspects, along with me a croft for my 21st birthday – the pay! The majority of the classes money well spent! Since then I have I was involved with were taught over got myself a flock of 50 ewes, along the winter months, which meant with pigs and chickens. I’ve also they didn’t really impact of crofting started working the land a lot more and fortunately they all stopped for and I don’t think there are many lambing at Easter! I think it’s a good things more enjoyable than being way for crofters to supplement their out ploughing on a nice day in the income; it’s much more relaxed MF 135!” than traditional teaching methods Donald recently left his post and once you’re in that classroom, as a journalist at the BBC to you’re flying.” work for the local authority in a There is more information community development role. available for people interested in He is probably best known for presenting Farpaisean Chon- both learning and teaching Gaelic Chaorach since 2008. However, at www.ulpan.co.uk, or by emailing he also puts his Gaelic skills to [email protected], or phone 0845 use as an Ùlpan tutor. 557 6322. Ùlpan is a fast and effective Donald’s blog, about life Air way to learn Gaelic. It originated in an Lot is available at airanlot. Israel over 50 years ago to teach wordpress.com. 22 THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012

motive renewables RENEWABLE ENERGY SPECIALIST Wind crofting Want to benefit from the renewable revolution? Wind crofting has been successfully established for Kingspan in a Interested in a 20 or 25 year Income and also FREE number of places in Scotland. Electricity? Usually four to six of our KW6 turbines are installed and the crofter

Motive Renewables can offer you the world’s most robust small or land owner benefits from free electricity produced from the turbines. scale wind turbine The Kingspan KW6. Interested in finding out A community trust or third-party financer collects the Feed in Tariff (FIT) more on this product call Motive Renewables on 01466 751199 payments, firstly to pay for the wind croft – and after payback (usually and arrange your FREE Site Visit. in five years) the community trust or financer benefits from the income Do You Need Your Proven Turbine stream from the generation payments for a further 15 years. A crofter or land owner who himself has capital funds available at the Serviced then call outset collects the FIT payments and own the wind croft outright. In the motive renewables on Highlands and Islands, where average wind speeds are typically 7m/s per second or above, four KW6 turbines will produce approximately 01466 751199 76,000kWh per year – an annual income of £21,000 on generation and £2,432 on export, both paid to the owner every year for 20 years. 07825985543 The crofter will off-set most if not all electricity needs as s/he will mostly www. Motive-renewables.co.uk not have to use electricity from the grid. A number of community loan schemes could allow crofters to benefit from a wind croft as a community project. Funding is also available for private land owners. Wind crofts are popular on Orkney and the Western Isles, where local communities support sustainable developments and have environmental or renewable energy policies. A wind croft for a community project on Westray, Orkney provides income for an energy co-operative which re-invests FIT into further renewable energy projects in fuel poverty initiatives – one of the many ways wind crofts can benefit land owners, crofters and communities with a guaranteed income stream for 20 years. www.kingspanwind.co.uk/news/helping-to-eradicate-fuel-poverty Kingspan Wind is working with accredited installers and energy working groups on identifying, surveying and project managing the wind crofting concept. Our objective is small-scale and shouldn’t be confused with large- scale wind turbines or wind farms. The KW6 wind turbine can be installed from 9m in height to 15m, whichever is in keeping with its surroundings and offers the greatest benefit to the crofter. Any land used for wind crofting can still be used for grazing and farming activities – eligible sites require an annual mean average wind speed of 6m/s and above. If you are unsure of your wind speed, a member of our team can assess the viability on your behalf. To register your site, please contact [email protected]

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Strathnairn Farmers Association

see farming over the last 100 years Saturday 29th September 10am - 4pm Daviot Estate (500m off the A9 from Inverness) Working demonstrations, horse ploughing, machinery displays, sheep shearing, craft displays, piping, highland dancing and much more... £5 Admission – children under 12 years Free

For more infoCall: 07796 605 534 www.daviotvintage.co.uk THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 23 MeMBERS PAGES Membership Grass roots and branches – matters cultivating our areas and branches What the SCF can do for you his year’s AGM We support individuals and considered a proposed families throughout the crofting Trestructuring of the SCF’s counties and even further afield. areas and branches. We offer support, advice and You may think this a normal advocacy; representation at local, function of the board, not national and European level; needing AGM approval. In fact community participation and the board has no specific powers mediation; skills development to intrude on branch and area and training; and many more affairs. Branches and areas are services. We are also re- autonomous units of members, introducing a product discount raised locally and operating under scheme as a way of rewarding a mutually-agreed constitution our members. We will have more which can in due course affiliate announcements on this scheme in them to the Federation. the coming months. A mentoring Why do we need branches scheme has also been developed and areas? Branches and which you can read more about area networks are vital to Martin Mackillop in this edition. If you would like to this organisation. Through © a democratic process, they receive updates on the schemes be done arbitrarily, or without changes to branches and areas but produce comment from grass- please check our website or sign consultation and the cooperation does not change the fundamental roots membership on all crofting up to our monthly e-newsletters of the members within existing role of the board which is to ensure matters and, most importantly, by emailing [email protected]. branches. the company/charity continues identify members who can We also offer a vacant croft This was the proposal put by to operate within its rules and guide and drive the organisation register to our members so they the board to members attending economic resources. From this forward. Branches elect or can receive up-to-date information this year’s AGM, asking for point onwards the board will be about crofts for sale or ones nominate individuals to sit on an area committee – set up from approval to go ahead with drafting and consulting – and would which have been made available this restructuring programme, be pleased to receive members’ through the Crofting Commission’s branches in a particular region of the Highlands and Islands – prompted by a survey of members suggestions on the best way to occupancy initiative. who want greater branch activity. achieve this aim. and an area committee elects or nominates a member to represent Some existing branches and The SCF needs its local What you can do for the SCF areas also want the means to do volunteers and activists to support In the grass-roots article our it on the area representatives’ this but question how it can be and ultimately progress this company secretary is highlighting council. The council meets with done. The board is prepared to suggestion, so that we remain the importance of the membership the board to discuss policy put its energy and resources into the only organisation specifically driving the organisation forward. matters and can put forward this proposed change along with founded to represent crofters and Having this grass-roots individuals for a directorship on a suite of measures to stimulate crofting communities. Enthusiasm structure ensures that we are the SCF’s board. an increase in SCF membership and imagination, rather than properly representing members’ Do we need to change this and rejuvenate branch activity, organisational skill, are of course views as well as creating an arrangement? There is no augmenting the important role most welcome and are primary active organisation meeting the intention at present to change this network provides for the requisites for branch officials. Self- needs of our members. the process. What is proposed organisation as a whole. nomination as office bearers will By your involvement you are is changing the operational After some general discussion be greatly appreciated – please helping to safeguard the future locale from a basis of parishes on the possible effects of these telephone or email offers and/or of the SCF as well as crofting in or townships to one based on proposals, the AGM overwhelmingly suggestions to HQ. general. You don’t even have to post-code sectors. In some cases this may mean increasing the approved the motion. be a board or council member to size of the geographical zone This decision now puts the John Bannister contribute to our activities. of each branch. This would not Federation in the driving seat for SCF company secretary If there is an issue that you would like more information on, or would like to see a meeting happen on a particular topic, then just get in touch with HQ Pastures new – Su moves on or rally a few local members to make it happen. he SCF has always been the end of August. for SCF has been hugely successful There are always government outstandingly successful Su has also been successful and a great benefit to crofters and consultations going on, such as in recruiting project lead- in another direction. She has small landholders. Her reports to the the new Crofting Commission T ers. No more so than with train- accepted a permanent, full-time board and the Highlands and Island plan, planning regulations, the ing manager Su Cooper, who has post with Highlands and Islands training panel show consistently community empowerment bill been with SCF since late 2010. Enterprise. From her career point excellent results. As a person she – and most recently submitted, Funding of the training of view this was undoubtedly the will be missed. Her quiet, steadfast a response to the BVD programme, and Su’s contract, came right decision, since the SCF consultation. to an end in June. Su successfully could never have been able to and efficient approach to her role All members can contribute obtained a grant for continuation and provide the permanency of work and the working relationships she and influence future policies. And extension of the Crofters and Small that she wanted and deserved. has shaped make her a hard act just by being a member of the Landholders Training Programme SCF members will recognise to follow. Scottish Crofting Federation you for a further three years. At time of that this is a setback that we must are helping to influence the future writing the result of her matched overcome. The training programme of crofting. funding application is expected by that Su has so capably managed Su – well done from all of us! 24 THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 MeMBERS PAGES Help for members CF now has a panel of We continue to be very busy bulls grazing without females and Safety Executive publication: crofting mentors, experi- with members’ casework. Below present and bulls known to be of http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ Senced crofters who have are two anonymous examples of a dangerous temperament. Other ais17s.pdf kindly agreed to provide advice the kind of cases referred to us than in these circumstances it Another housing grant case and guidance to members. recently where our intervention is entirely permissible to run a We get quite a few cases The mentoring scheme will cover has assisted our members. bull with cattle, although we do from members who are being practical crofting matters such as recommend that cattle keepers refused Croft House Grant livestock husbandry, horticulture, Public access have public liability insurance and Scheme assistance. Usually poultry, bees, forestry and tourism. and the township bull take reasonable care to ensure a letter of appeal succeeds in Members in need of advice on We were contacted by a the safety of the public. getting the grant. such subjects should firstly contact township on the west coast. The The council’s access officer was In the latest case, our members head office and they will be put in bull was running with cows on the correct in one small point. Signs that – a young couple of crofting touch with the appropriate expert. common grazing and they had put could be interpreted as deterring entrants – had been refused Thank you to the many members a Beware of the Bull sign on the access are contrary to the Scottish grant because their croft “was who have volunteered to be gate to the hill. This had resulted in Outdoor Access Code. Therefore not a viable unit”. This we found crofting mentors. a walker making a complaint to the Bull in Park or Bull on Hill would be alarming. Admittedly the croft is The mentoring scheme does local authority access officer, who acceptable as these are only giving small, just one hectare, but there not cover matters of crofting law, had informed the township that, not information, while Beware of the are of course a great many crofts regulation and dispute but we will only was their sign illegal, but that Bull suggests a danger. that size or smaller, for example continue to offer a layperson’s they should not be keeping a bull A phone call to the council all around the town of Stornoway. opinion on these things if we can, where there was a public access. access officer – which should Our members also had a bearing in mind that we are not This, of course, is utter not have been necessary – put five-year business plan and legally qualified. We do keep a list nonsense. Restrictions do apply him right on this matter. The best their intended use of the land, of accredited crofting lawyers at to bulls of dairy breeds (not many guidance on bulls and public poultry, bees, horticulture and head office. of these on the west coast!), access can be found in this Health breeding game birds, was entirely achievable within the area of the croft. They had fenced the land and built an agricultural shed entirely at their own expense. The croft had been newly created and, if it had not been considered viable, it surely would not have had the consent of the Crofters Commission. They had planning permission subject to a Section 75 agreement tying the proposed house to the croft, which recognised their operational need to reside on the land. The Scottish Government website states, “The purpose of the scheme is to improve and maintain the standards of crofter housing with the aim of attracting © Martin Benson and retaining people in the more remote areas of the Highlands and Islands.” Our members are precisely the kind of people the SAC Consulting government should wish to attract and retain in a very remote area. They have a sound agricultural background and skills, one is a qualified nurse and they have a Beginners courses available young child. We drafted a letter of appeal and throughout the year were prepared to take up the case politically as a matter of principle. • Hen keeping However the CHGS officials • Cattle reviewed our members’ business plan and, eventually, granted • Sheep them housing assistance. • Lambing FIND US ON • Pigs • Record keeping Courses arranged to suit your needs For further information call 01478 612993

SAC is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SC003712 FACEBOOK THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 25 Donnie Visitors from Papua overnment officials culture through development of As much of Papua's rainforest is Maclennan from the Indonesian the cash economy. They wanted actually owned by the indigenous Gprovince of Papua visited to understand how people in the population in a system based onald Maclennan, a crofting townships on Eigg and on Scottish Highlands are keeping or on ancient customs of ancestral past president of the SCU Skye this summer to learn more reclaiming that connection. Alex tenure, the delegation also Dand chairman of the SCF about community development Rumaseb said: "We like the idea wanted to know how crofting and board, passed away recently as and land reform in a devolved of soil, soul and society working community trusts benefit the local a result of a health problem which Scotland. together. We want this to inform community. On Eigg they met Isle had troubled him for some time. The twelve delegates, led by our 100 year plan for a healthy, of Eigg Heritage Trust secretary Donnie, as he was always Alex Rumaseb, head of Papua’s happy Papua province." Maggie Fyffe, local grazings known, trained as an electrician provincial planning office, were Papua province faces a clerk Neil Robertson and Camille in a Glasgow shipyard before taken to Eigg and Camuscross situation where two-thirds of Dressler, local historian and social returning to his native Stornoway in Sleat by Alastair McIntosh the population are made up of enterprise tutor. to employment with the then North and colleagues at the Centre for incomers, many of whom were On Skye they met Susan Walker, of Scotland Hydro Electric Board, Human Ecology to look at the sent over when Indonesia was from the Crofting Commission and a job from which he took early way bottom-up development can a military dictatorship. Alastair members of Iomairt Chamas Chros retirement to allow him to devote empower communities. McIntosh said: “This delegation is Duisdeil – the Camuscross and more time to his many other Papua, on the Indonesian side was made up of both incomers Duisdale Initiative. Best of all, interests, chief of which was, of of New Guinea island, is one of the and indigenous Papuans. They they watched a communal potato course, crofting. last great frontier wildernesses. especially valued seeing on Eigg planting at Camuscross and could He joined the Scottish Crofters Its vast rainforests and coral-rich and in Camuscross on Skye how not get over the fact that the tractor Union when it was set up in waters are home to more than different communities can come was driven by SCF member Gavin 1986 and served as branch and 250 indigenous tribes, the most to respect each other and make area chair, council member, linguistically diverse population a common future. The Scots also Parsons, who is a lecturer at vice-president and president. on Earth. Yet standards of health learned a lot from their experience Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. As chairman of the board of the and education for indigenous as they strive to develop a more On the last day of their trip to Scottish Crofting Foundation, Papuans are often below the democratic system than the one the west Highlands they visited Donnie oversaw the transition from national average. Rampant they have had.” the SCF team in Kyle and met Neil SCU to SCF, which was followed logging, legal and illegal, has The Papua delegation Gerrard, development manager at by a troubled period in the history decimated swathes of primary reported that they are seeing Highlands and Islands Enterprise’s of the organisation. forest and many communities are growing signs of climate change Growing Community Assets Donnie stood down as chairman now selling their land to palm oil in Indonesia. They therefore team (what used to be called the of the board at the end of his term companies – sometimes at a very wanted to understand more Community Land Unit), before in 2003. low price – leaving them bereft of about climate change. They were travelling to Govan in Glasgow. the ecosystems that sustain them. very impressed by Eigg’s award- There they were studying urban Papuan provincial government winning green electrical grid, and poverty and the work of the planners are concerned about the were particularly interested in the GalGael Trust which was started implications of people losing their solar and hydro components of by the late Colin Macleod, whose connection to the land and their the system. father is from Gravir on Lewis.

Donnie was also a director of Heather Isle Meats and Lewis and Harris Auction Mart, president of the West Side Agricultural Show and chairman of two local grazing committees – truly a man of many talents. I first got to know Donnie when he joined the SCU council and we became close friends, a friendship which lasted over the years. Donnie and I were closely involved during my own spell in office with the union and then the foundation and I enjoyed the hospitality of his home on many occasions when visiting the Western Isles on official duties. I benefited greatly from his generous and valuable support as my vice-president during this time. Donnie was at all times a gentleman and friend and his passing will be mourned by all those who had the good fortune to know him; indeed the wider crofting community will be all the poorer for his passing. The Papua group with some Eigg residents. Iain Mackinnon SCF and Alistair McIntosh on front row second and third from the left Alistair MacIver 26 THE CROFTER, SEPTEMBER 2012 Dùthchas na Mara n SCF-led project has published “In most Highlands and Islands coastal Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage, a new book investigating the cultural communities fishermen are also crofters, which exist to protect it. Abackground to ongoing maritime conflict or belong to crofting families. While it is "As warnings grow from institutions of global in the Sound of Barra in the Western Isles. true that many traditional practices have governance, such as the United Nations, The book, called Dùthchas na Mara been neglected or eroded, this book shows suggesting we may need to prepare for an age (Belonging to the Sea), shows how traditional that there are crofters and fishermen who, of scarcity and for the diminishing availability knowledge of the sea is playing a vital role in because of the way they are choosing to work of the resources on which our modern maintaining Gaelic-speaking island fishing on land and at sea, are helping to keep alive technologies and lifestyles depend, so it may communities in Scotland and Ireland. an important body of place-based knowledge. be that in the future the traditional knowledge The book is a product of the Connecting It has been by utilising this knowledge that of crofting communities will, once again, need Coastal Communities project, supported by they, and those that went before them, to be put to much greater use. This puts a the Colmcille Partnership that seeks to forge maintain themselves – both physically and responsibility on us to maintain it." connections between the Gael of Ireland and in terms of retaining a distinct indigenous The work begun by the Connecting Coastal Scotland. Dùthchas na Mara has been written cultural identity. Communities research is now being taken by Iain MacKinnon, on behalf of the SCF, and "The book takes a small part of what remains forward by Sgeulachdan na Mara (Sea Stories), Ruth Brennan, a social ecologist at the Scottish of that traditional knowledge and puts it into its a project that the researchers are carrying out Association for Marine Science. The book also primary context as working knowledge. It also in collaboration with Voluntary Action Barra features photographs from the Glasgow-based shows how government has the opportunity and Vatersay. The aim of Sgeulachdan na visual artist Stephen Hurrel who himself has to support this globally significant knowledge Mara is to develop a dynamic digital map of Barra connections. It was launched on Barra through a raft of international legislation, such Barra containing images, sounds and stories in August. as the Convention on Biodiversity and the related to the sea. Iain and Ruth's research suggests that there are important cultural roots to the campaign on Barra against the Scottish Government's proposals for two European marine conservation areas in the waters around the island. In particular, their book shows similarities in practices and beliefs that exist between traditional knowledge holders on Barra and on Arranmore, a Gaelic-speaking island off the west coast of Donegal in Ireland where fishermen have been campaigning for the last five years against what they say are crippling restrictions on their ability to fish. Drawing examples from both islands, the work describes some key aspects of the fishermen's close and enduring relationship with their local waters and the role that this sense of belonging to the sea plays in the life of island communities. Among the topics explored are: how place- names are formed and evolve in order to represent the nature and dangers of the marine environment; how technology has changed fishing as a way of life; and how customary behaviour among fishermen helps to maintain strong social relations among them. SCF director Fiona Mandeville said: “This new perspective on the common culture of communities that has kept elements of traditional knowledge is long overdue.

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SCF chair Derek Flyn and Karen MacRae SCF membership Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson witnesses administrator enjoy a well-deserved cuppa in a quiet moment at the legendary SCF Caithness representative Jim McPherson’s rendition Royal Highland Show. of his sonnet to the Scottish strawberry.

Minister for the environment Stewart Stevenson launches the new l-r Alan Boulton, Cecil Pirie and Donald Murdie SCF horticulture handbook at the Black Isle Show with vice-chair Fiona Mandeville and Patrick Krause.

P r oduce P r oduce Scottish Crofting Federation Highlands and Islands Croft Origin HighlandsToradh and Croitearachd Islands na h-Alba Croft Origin rooted in our communities Às a’ chroit anns a’ Ghàidhealtachd ‘s na h-Eileanan How to contact us Postal address and registered office Scottish Crofting Federation Head Office Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8AX General enquiries: [email protected] Tel: 01599 530 005 Fax: 01599 618 038 Membership: [email protected] Karen MacRae, Tel: 01599 530 005 Accounts: [email protected] Barbara Thayer, Tel: 01599 530045 Scottish Crofting Produce: [email protected] Donald Murdie Training: [email protected] The Crofter: [email protected] Fiona Mandeville Advertising: [email protected] Claire Nicolson, Tel: 01471 833 239 visit www.crofting.org for full contact details

Company Number SC 218658 charity Number SC 031919 Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information printed in this publication, SCF cannot accept liability for errors or omissions. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the SCF.

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