Scottish Crofting Federation THE CROFTER rooted in our communities SCF is the only organisation solely dedicated to campaigning for crofters and fighting for the future of crofting

AUGUST 2018 Number 115 Post-Brexit agricultural support could yet be a boost for crofting © Martin Benson – Berneray

N ATTEMPT at redistributing and the Scottish Government Scotland has huge areas of less- its consultation document making Scotland’s agricultural support consultation document Stability and favoured permanent grassland and it clear that the Less Favoured A could at last be on the cards. Simplicity offer more hope. rough grazing, where high-nature- Area Support Scheme (LFASS) will Several major strategy The recent study carried out value farming is both traditional continue to decline. Not to introduce documents on Scottish agricultural for the Highlands and Islands and common. They recommend Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) is policy have been released in the Agriculture Support Group, Post- that future policies must address a missed opportunity, an opportunity past months, all of them pointing to Brexit Implications for Agriculture the specific needs of this type of to move meaningful support to the crofting areas being unique and and Associated Land Use in the farming, including the fact that where it was intended. The prospect needing bespoke support. Reviews Highlands and Islands, found that low profitability threatens its very of LFASS being reduced to only 20% of Scottish agriculture undertaken unless significant steps are taken survival. in 2020 is completely unacceptable, in the last five years or so have not to support crofting and hill farming This is indeed the case for so more detail is imperative on set the heather on fire. But perhaps in the Highlands and Islands, this crofters and ties in with the report how Scottish Government intends A Future Strategy for Scottish unique agriculture, with all its to the Highlands and Islands to make up the shortfall and to Agriculture, the final report delivered associated benefits, could be lost. Agriculture Support Group. Scottish by the agriculture champions, The champions acknowledge that Government could pay heed to this, ...Continued on page 3 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Crofting law reform update • Training HE SCOTTISH CROFTING Federation has Scottish Parliament Rural Economy and Connectivity supported the two-phase approach to crofting Committee recently. In answer to why he was “tinkering • On the croft Tlaw reform, as outlined by the cabinet secretary around the edges” or taking a “piecemeal approach” Fergus Ewing. Mr Ewing was clear that Scottish Government is taking • Spirit of crofting No one would deny that crofting law is complex. It “a strategic approach to deal with things in stages that is in need of reform and this is, thankfully, under way. are likely to be efficacious”. SCF believes this to be the • Membership survey SCF is firm in its belief that reform needs to be done in correct way forward and that it is by no means piecemeal. a measured, methodical way, especially because of its It is actually tackling the most comprehensive reform, • Women in agriculture complexity. Rushing forward into a wholesale writing of and doing it in two phases to ensure that it happens. new law would create the likelihood of crofting law not The first phase will deal with the most urgent and • Assynt Crofters Trust getting changed in this parliamentary life, or indeed for pragmatic amendments which will make a real difference celebration a very long time, bearing in mind how long it has taken to crofters. Identification of these issues, and how to deal to get to this point. with them, is already well under way by stakeholders. • … and much more Fergus Ewing, the cabinet secretary in charge of the reform of crofting legislation, gave evidence to the ...Continued on page 3 2 THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018

Message from the chair... Russell Smith amounts of finite time and energy on Brexit when there is so much else needing to be done, such as working on making crofts available to young people. As if there wasn’t enough uncertainty in here, I have recently been to a couple of meetings were I have had to argue against vegetarianism being promoted in policy suggestions – healthy diet YES, local food YES but NO to cutting red meat out of diets totally. We have few options as to what we can do with croft land if we can’t raise sheep and cattle. In this issue you can read the SCF training team’s annual report. The SCF’s Crofters and Smallholders Skills Boost continues to do a great job providing varied and relevant training to so many people. It is very heartening to see such interest in crofting and rural skills. It gives hope for the future. We held our AGM in June with an excellent talk on mental health from Jim Hume of the National Rural Mental Health Forum. For me, the key message was to make the effort to talk to your HE LAST FEW months have been Stability and Simplicity: proposals for a rural neighbours, even if – or indeed especially if – they dominated, again, by Brexit and what funding transition period. The consultation closes are being difficult or awkward. A simple “Are you Thappens to support payments after we on 15 August so please read it and either let us OK?” could make all the difference. leave the EU. know your thoughts or reply directly and copy We have started to look at the results of the David Mundell, in a recent meeting, assured us your comments to HQ so we can incorporate membership survey which went out with the last that everything would be fine; but no-one round your ideas in the SCF response. There are 46 edition of The Crofter. The results are reported on the table seemed convinced. A recent report by questions to reply to but don’t let that put you elsewhere and be assured the board and council the Highlands and Islands Agriculture Group off, as it is vital that crofting’s voice is heard loud will use your input to direct our policies over the spelled out the implications for crofters and hill and clear. next few years. Thanks for your comments. farmers of different scenarios – none of them are The first blow could be LFASS being reduced Finally, we may be the only organisation solely good but some are less bad than others. The to 80% of current levels in 2019 – which we could dedicated to campaigning for crofters and fighting report Post Brexit Implications for Agriculture just about cope with – but then down to 20% in for the future of crofting, but we can’t do anything and Associated Land Use in the Highlands and 2020 which would be crippling for many. As an about the weather. Just now, the grass is burning Islands is worth a read. instance, for us, the LFASS payment is roughly up, burns have dried up and I am carting water We are still working in a policy vacuum (at the equal to the overall profit of the croft, so a big cut up to the reseed for the first time in the 20 years time of writing) but the Scottish Government is could push us into the red. we have been here. consulting on future policy options in its document The sad thing is that we are spending huge Strange times indeed. Support for local abattoirs

SCF was one of a number of organisations which were signatories to the letter below.

The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP about this situation, which if not urgently and slaughterhouse increase, until it is no longer Secretary of State for the Environment Food sustainably addressed threatens to undermine financially viable for farmers to travel the and Rural Affairs attempts to make UK agriculture more extra distances to slaughter their livestock. Nobel House economically sustainable, environmentally Businesses will close with the loss of important 17 Smith Square benign and supporting our high animal welfare skilled and semi-skilled jobs in rural areas, both London standards. The diversity of our organisations in the abattoirs and the existing and emerging SW1P 3JR reflects the scale and breadth of concern. businesses which depend on them. The Smaller, local abattoirs offer a vital service opportunities for farmers to embark on new Dear Mr Gove to farmers by slaughtering animals close to the enterprises on the farm also become limited. point of production and returning the meat from Morale is low in the industry, and abattoir We note the government’s aspiration to their animals for them to sell as fully traceable owners need to see a sustainable future, and encourage livestock to be slaughtered more and local. Without such abattoirs, there would a culture where in areas of unfulfilled demand, locally to the farms where they have been be no fully traceable local meat for farm shops, new businesses, including on-farm mobile reared. farmers’ markets, traditional local butchers, abattoirs, can become established and flourish. However, as you will be aware, smaller local mail order suppliers and local caterers. In Urgent action is needed at a number of levels to abattoirs in the UK have been closing at an addition, graziers in sensitive wildlife areas secure a sustainable future for small abattoirs alarming rate which shows no sign of abating. using specialised breeds cannot add value to and for the continuation and development of After a substantial decline in number in recent the animals when sold for meat without a local local meat marketing. years, a further 10% have closed in the last abattoir. We therefore urge you to do all you can to year. As more and more smaller abattoirs close, ensure the implementation of both short and We write to express our deep concern so the distances to the nearest suitable longer-term solutions to these problems. THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018 3 Post-Brexit agricultural support could yet be a boost for crofting ...Continued from page 1 consultation states, “A more how many people it would affect. well above the average income in progressive capping policy could For example, capping payments Scotland – just over £23,000 – it reorganise the scheme more along be a first step to a future agricultural at £50,000 would release £60 is not unreasonable as an income the lines of ANC. policy which widens the benefits and million for wider benefits, yet only support payment which can be A central provision of the SCF range of recipients and supports caps payments to 10% of recipients. topped up with further public funding post-Brexit policy document new entrants and small businesses”. Capping payments at £25,000 through targeted schemes and published last year was the need The document publishes modelling would release £140 million and through production earnings. for capping Basic Payments. which shows the savings that can would reduce payments to 27% As always, the more difficult The champions and Scottish be made by capping, relating this to of recipients. Given that this is still phase is the detailed formulation Government have grasped the of new policies to enact the guiding capping nettle. The champions principles. Without adequate recommend that income support support we will lose the benefits that payments are capped, maintaining “A more progressive capping policy could crofting brings in terms of retaining current levels for small and medium be a first step to a future agricultural population in rural areas, providing holdings but reducing payments to secure high-quality food and bigger recipients, in order to fund a policy which widens the benefits and maintaining the landscape and bio- more equitable and results-focused range of recipients and supports new diversity. SCF will be putting forward system. a response to the consultation on The Scottish Government entrants and small businesses”. behalf of crofters. Crofting law reform update

...Continued from page 1 newspaper and consider other means, possibly web-based Amendment to legislation is realistic notification of first registration of a in this parliamentary session. croft; and the Crofting Commission A second phase could deal with should take all reasonable steps to more complex issues, which will inform neighbouring crofts of first take more time to formulate and registration. gain consensus for. The work for the second phase will start now, Requirement for annual notices in parallel with phase one, but – the amount of data generated the legislation would need to go overloads the Crofting Commission. through parliament in the next It is proposed to replace the session. requirement to have annual notices It is understandable that some with a more periodic requirement, are getting impatient, as crofting say once every three or four years. law reform has been a very difficult journey, not without setbacks. It is Grazings committee duty therefore even more critical to take to report – many feel that it is a phased approach to ensure that not appropriate for a grazings we get it right. committee to have to report on Forty-three issues are currently the condition of crofts, and any being looked at in the first phase. breach of duty, of each tenant For example: and owner-occupier crofter with a share in the grazing. It is proposed Deemed crofts – which bring to remove this requirement, but confusion for some crofters over keep the requirement for grazings whether they have common committees to report on the general grazing rights or not. The whole condition of common grazings. deemed croft issue brings crofting into disrepute and it is proposed to Joint tenancies – the Women amend legislation to prevent the in Farming and the Agriculture further creation of deemed crofts, Sector report has recommended for example through making grazing that it should be possible for croft rights part of heritable property tenancies to be held in joint names. rights of the croft, preventing a It is proposed that, if necessary, decoupling of the grazing shares legislation will be amended to allow from the in-bye croft. croft tenancies in more than one name to bring crofting into line with Notification of first registration of other sectors. croft – it is not clear why notification by newspaper is required, especially This is just a taste. If you have when the Crofting Commission is an interest in crofting legislation, charged with the duty of notifying papers from the Crofting Bill Group all those involved. It is also costly are published on the Scottish for crofters. It is proposed to reduce Government website. the requirement to advertise by © Martin Benson – Mull 4 THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018 tried, tested and approved

superior growing environment for the serious gardener

resistant against extreme weather conditions

Angus B MacNeil MP Na h-Eileanan an Iar 4m x 10m ‘10 year guarantee against uV degradation’ Available for surgeries All enquiries welcome Keder greenhouses Limited a range of newtown, offenham, evesham, Worcestershire Wr11 8rZ sizes available Constituency Offi ce 31 Bayhead Street, Stornoway t: +44 (0) 1386 49094 to suit any croft Isle of Lewis HS1 2DU [email protected] Telephone 01851 702272 www.kedergreenhouse.co.uk @KederGreenhouse E-Mail [email protected]

Agricultural and Rural Business Advice

SAC Agricultural, Woodland Contact your local SAC office: & Conservation Consultants

Balivanich 01870 602336 combine local knowledge Campbeltown 01586 552502 with extensive crofting Inverness 01463 233266 Kirkwall 01856 872698 experience and are Lerwick 01595 639520 supported by our team of Oban 01631 563093 Portree 01478 612993 renowned specialists. No Stornoway 01851 703103 query too big or small - Thurso 01847 892602 Contact your local office today!

Leading the way in Agriculture and Rural Research, Education and Consulting

SAC Consulting is a division of SRUC SRUC is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SC003712 THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018 5 Women inheriting crofts – busting the myths "Wild women – whose land is it anyway?" was a day exploring women's connection with the land held on 16th June 2018 at The Birks Cinema, Aberfeldy. Brian Inkster, of Inksters Solicitors, comments.

SAW A TWEET by Lesley Riddoch from the event quoting Alison Hall as saying: I“ I’m wild and furious because women have been pushed off land if they have a brother because he can inherit the lot. Same in crofting. Widows lose tenancies if they can’t prove their farming bona fides. Men aren’t asked for proof.” I am not sure where Alison got this information from. I cannot comment on the position with regard to agricultural law, but the situation she describes certainly does not apply under crofting law. A crofting tenancy can only be bequeathed to one person unless you seek, in your will, to divide the croft amongst more than one person (ie create more than one tenancy from separate parts of the croft) with the consent Joyce Campbell of the Crofting Commission. It is certainly not unusual for widows to succeed to a crofting tenancy either through bequest in a will or on intestacy (death without Women in agriculture leaving a will). On intestacy a crofting tenancy in the OU WILL REMEMBER that we reported inherent and critical part of Scotland’s farming and name of a man would be inherited by his on a fascinating piece of research on agriculture sector but are a group whose strengths wife. If there is no surviving wife, his children Ywomen in farming and the agriculture and contribution remain somewhat marginalised. would share equally in the value of the croft. sector which was carried out on behalf of the It has provided a solid foundation upon which to They might have to come to some agreement Scottish Government. act – and I feel strongly that government has a amongst themselves as to whose name the Numerous cases were exposed of gender moral obligation to address gender inequality right tenancy will be taken in to avoid the sale of inequity in the family, on the holding, in the mart, across our society and economy. the croft. But a brother would not inherit over in organisations, in training; in fact in every aspect “There is no doubt that women play a much- a sister as Alison Hall suggests. of the agricultural sector. Whilst crofting was on valued and valuable role within the farming and A widow inheriting a croft does not need the whole better than other sectors, we cannot agriculture sector in Scotland. However, inequality to prove any “farming bona fides” to the be complacent. It makes uncomfortable, though in the sector and invisibility in leadership roles Crofting Commission or anyone else. She familiar, reading. The report can be found on-line. stops women in rural Scotland from achieving simply needs to ensure that she follows the Following on from the research, the first their full potential. That holds us back as a nation appropriate procedures, within the relative minister of Scotland, Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon and damages the rural economy. I expect the time limits, to give notice of the bequest to MSP, launched the Women in Agriculture taskforce to help deliver solutions that support the landlord and copy this to the Crofting Taskforce, chaired by cabinet secretary for rural the achievement of gender equality in Scottish Commission. economy Fergus Ewing and Sutherland hill agriculture. It is already offering a strong and An owner-occupied croft can be left to farmer Joyce Campbell. SCF has a place on the challenging voice, exploring innovative and more than one person. Accordingly, several taskforce. thoughtful solutions to achieve progress. children could all be bequeathed such a croft A progress report was published at the Royal “I hope that the taskforce’s work in the short in a will or inherit the same through intestacy. Highland Show 2018 and it is worth reproducing term will help introduce longer-term change. That A widow would have the right, in the first the first minister’s foreword to the report: change is needed to help us to move to a culture instance, to inherit such a croft. “It is my pleasure to offer a few words to the which enables women and girls within farming to A woman’s right to succession of a croft is progress report of the Women in Agriculture be more empowered and for the sector to make therefore no different from a man’s right. If you Taskforce. I was delighted to able to launch this the most of the undoubted skills and abilities they are a wild woman who has heard differently initiative at the Royal Highland Show 2017, in have to offer. you should consult a crofting lawyer about response to the women in farming and agriculture “I am extremely encouraged with progress to your own particular circumstances to set your sector research. date, and I look forward with interest to their final mind at rest. “The research affirmed that women are an report.” 6 THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018 EU farming: a male-dominated profession with relatively few young farmers E THOUGHT members sized holdings that are generally might be interested to family-run businesses and (ii) large Wread how agriculture agricultural enterprises. across the EU compares with crofting. Romania has one third of the The most recent EU farm EU’s farms, but they tend to be structure survey shows that, small in size. Another third is found although numerous, most of in Poland (14%), Italy (10%, 2013) the EU’s 10.3 farms were small and Spain (9%). in nature, two-thirds being less However, the 7% of farms that than five hectares (ha) in size. In were of 50 ha or more in size contrast, the 3% of EU farms of worked a little over two-thirds of 100 ha or more in size worked over the EU’s utilised agricultural area half of the EU’s utilised agricultural (UAA). So although the mean size area. of an agricultural holding in the EU A little over 171 million hectares was 16.6 ha in 2016, the median of land in the European Union were was under 5 ha. used for agricultural production Among member states, this Small farm in Romania in 2016 – about 40% of the EU’s distribution was most contrasting in total land area. This supported Romania; nine in every ten farms about 10.3 million farms and farm (92% or 3.1 million farms) were managers. smaller than 5 ha, but the 0.5% Only 11% of farm managers in of farms of 50 ha or more in size the EU were younger than 40 years farmed half (51%) of all the UAA in old, in contrast to 32% who were the country. 65 years of age or older. Young Larger farms (of 50 hectares or farmers were particularly few and more) were much more common far between in Cyprus (3.3% of all in Luxembourg (52% of farms), farm managers), Portugal (4.2%) France (41%), the United Kingdom and the United Kingdom (5.3%). (39%) and Denmark (35%). In most They were more common in member states, a majority of UAA Austria (22.2%), Poland (20.3%) was concentrated on the largest and Slovakia (19.0%). farms (50 ha or more in size). Nevertheless, the youngest farm Just over half of EU turnover managers tended to have bigger in agriculture came from France, farms in terms of area, livestock Germany, Italy and Spain and standard output than the oldest Contrasts in the size of farms North Spain ones. were also reflected in terms of their The farming profession is economic size. Of the EU’s 10.3 dominated by men, with only about million farms, 4.0 million had a three in ten (29%) women being EU standard output below EUR 2,000 farm managers. The proportion of and were responsible for only young farm managers who were 1% of total agricultural economic women was lower still (23%). output. The 296,000 farms (or 3% This information, published by of all holdings) in the EU that each Eurostat, the statistical office of produced a standard output of EUR the European Union, comes from 250,000 or more were responsible provisional results for the 2016 EU for a majority (55%) of the EU’s Farm Structure Survey and is the total agricultural economic output latest snapshot available. in 2016. Utilised agricultural area includes About one half of the standard arable land, permanent grassland, output generated by agriculture in permanent crops, other agricultural the EU was from farms in France land such as kitchen gardens (even (17%), Germany (13%), Italy (12% if they only represent small areas in 2013) and Spain (11%) in 2016. Slovenian small farm of total utilised agricultural area). Although Romania accounted for The term does not include unused about one third of the EU’s farms, of EU total). A further 23.2 million the UK (69%) and Ireland (72%) agricultural land, woodland and land they accounted for only 3.4 % of the hectares were farmed in Spain was used as agricultural land and occupied by buildings, farmyards, EU’s standard output. (14%), 16.7 million hectares in the the share was also particularly tracks, ponds, etc. France, Spain, the United United Kingdom (10%), 15.2 million high in Denmark (62%). This was Farming in the EU is broadly Kingdom and Germany together hectares in Germany (9%) and 14.4 in stark contrast to Finland (8%) characterised by three distinct account for half of EU’s agricultural million hectares in Poland (8%). and Sweden (7%) where forest groups: (i) subsistence farming, land Agricultural landscapes dominated the landscape, as well where the focus is on growing a France used 27.8 million hectares dominated the countryside in as Cyprus (12%). majority of food to feed farmers and for agricultural purposes in 2016, the some member states; upwards For how much longer will Scotland their families (ii) small and medium- largest of any member state (16% of two-thirds of the land area of / UK figure in these statistics? THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018 7 Promoting the Interests of crofting VERYONE KNOWS that agencies are responsible for the Crofting Commission these matters, but it is for the Eis crofting’s regulator, Commission to thoughtfully but did you know that we are advise government on the also responsible for promoting whole situation for crofting the interests of crofting? communities. Our board and staff have Six of our nine commissioners been thinking through what this are elected directly by crofters, means and how we can do it so we can help reflect crofters’ better, and cabinet secretary concerns to the other agencies Fergus Ewing emphasised this which impact their lives. aspect of our role when he met The Commission can only the commissioners on 29 June. promote the interests of crofting The Commission wants to see if we know the real issues that crofters, and their communities, crofters face in their daily lives. succeed and thrive, both though It is therefore vital that the traditional and innovative Commission is open and in touch uses of crofts and common with these communities. That’s grazings. We want the land why we have appointed a panel and its cultural heritage to be of assessors, so that we can take protected and enhanced, and time to liaise properly with local crofting communities to be able communities and understand to play their full part towards the their important insights into development and prosperity of Cabinet secetary Fergus Ewing with commissioners what is happening all across the the Highlands and Islands. We better how crofting works. Did you which makes it easier for crofters to crofting counties. also want to see communities grow, know that we produce several use the common land for grazing Later this year, we will be with more young families able to live information leaflets about the livestock and other purposes. We implementing a rolling programme and work in the crofting areas. different applications that crofters help committees to develop sound of visits to different crofting areas A well-regulated crofting system make to us? While these leaflets are regulations which work well for so that crofters, landlords and has been designed to encourage available on our website, we want to all the shareholders and which others can come and talk to population retention, good land make them more widely available encourage active crofting. commissioners, assessors, and use and, wherever possible, through our different activities. In But while regulation is our staff from the Commission. You will opportunities for crofters and would- addition, we’re developing other main function, it is not the only also find at least one commissioner be crofters to live and work in their ways of explaining aspects of the thing that affects the interests of at some of the larger agricultural areas. That is why our main focus crofting system, for example through crofting. Crofters also depend on shows across the crofting counties. will always be on good, fair and short corporate videos that are in local employment opportunities, We feel very strongly that the efficient regulation.This includes the preparation. improved broadband connectivity, Commission exists to support and work we do to bring crofts back into We also work directly with grazings financial support payments and promote crofting and to help crofters use where there has been neglect committees and shareholders to incentives, the planning process, and crofting communities succeed. or breaches of residency. encourage crofting townships to and many other matters including We are always open to hear ideas It also includes explaining have an active grazings committee, good transport links. Other public on how we can do that better. Cross-Party Group on Crofting CF HAS organised the Cross-Party • Crofting administration (standing item) Group on Crofting in the Scottish • Crofting development (standing item) SParliament, for which Patrick is the • Crofting support: update on CAP payments secretary, for nigh on 20 years. and SRDP schemes (standing item) It is a very powerful forum for informing MSPs • Woodland crofts of crofting issues and garnering their support • National Development Plan for Crofting for pressing the Government to act. The current • Control of wild geese group was registered at the beginning of this • Local abattoirs parliamentary session and we held our AGM • Rates on sporting rights at the last meeting on 20th June. • Plus two meetings with the minister for MSP members of the group over the last crofting, Mr Fergus Ewing, on taking year have been Rhoda Grant (co-convener); crofting law reform forward. Tavish Scott (co-convener); Kate Forbes (co- The theme for the last meeting was crofting convener); Angus MacDonald; David Stewart; support and we had excellent presentations Donald Cameron; Edward Mountain; Emma from: Harper; Gail Ross; John Finnie; Liam McArthur; • Henry Graham, agriculture champion: A Richard Lochhead. Ministers cannot be future strategy for Scottish agriculture members of cross party groups – so we have • Steven Thomson, SRUC: Post-Brexit to say goodbye and many thanks to Kate for implications for agriculture and associated her excellent co-convenership – but we have land use in the Highlands and Islands several who keep abreast of the group’s work • Jonnie Hall, NFUS: Steps to change: a and attend on occasion for specific issues. new agricultural policy for Scotland The group is attended on a regular basis by • Bill Barron, Crofting Commission: update representatives of over 30 organisations, and on the study How the subsidy system individuals, with an interest in crofting. currently supports crofting and proposals on how it might do so post-Brexit Over the past year the following topics have • and Russell Smith, SCF: Crofting Scottish Parliament Corporate Body

© been on the agenda: agriculture post-Brexit. Scottish Parliament public gallery seats • Crofting legislation reform (standing item) 8 THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018 ALLANS OF GILLOCK LTD GILLOCK MAINS, GILLOCK, WICK, CAITHNESS, KW1 5UR TEL: 01955 661211

YOUR LOCAL BUILDERS & AGRICULTURAL MERCHANTS

As featured on BBC Alba, Reporting Scotland and Sunday Politics Scotland Stockists of 01599 230 300 FENCING MATERIALS & GATES [email protected] SHEEP & CATTLE HANDLING & FEEDING EQUIPMENT croftinglaw.com CAITHNESS ORKNEY SHETLAND INVERNESS inksters.com Tel: 01955 661211 Tel: 01856 761594 Tel: 01950 460417 Tel: 01463 713270 Fax: 01955 661244 Fax: 01856 761709 Fax: 01950 460013 Fax: 01463 713393 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Free advice line and discounted advisory service for smallholders and crofters in Scotland

National Advice Hub T: 0300 323 0161 E: [email protected] W: www.fas.scot

Click our website for helpful articles, information on grants and a full programme of events across Scotland delivered by SAC Consulting. Call the Advice line for help and advice on crofting and smallholding. Subscribe to take advantage of bespoke advice at a discounted rate. Follow FASScotland on Twitter and Facebook.

@FASScot THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018 9

SPIRIT OF CROFTING Celebrating the spirit of crofting

Boer goats at Elchies

CF IS HOSTING a weekend event in the River Spey Anglers Association, the Moray on 5th and 6th October 2018. Kylesku Hotel and Simon Erlanger of S The event will truly celebrate the spirit of the Isle of Harris Gin Company. Training crofting, its endurance, resilience and strength. It workshops and site visits will focus on will be a chance for crofters, aspiring crofters and food and drink, including visits to Elchies anyone interested in this way of life to celebrate Goat Farm and Auld Mill Alpacas, with the unique nature of the people and land in workshops in charcuterie and curry- crofting areas. making using fresh and local produce. Moray, a relatively new crofting area since As Brexit looms, there is a time of the 2010 Act, will be the location. The event uncertainty ahead, but we hope that has kindly been supported by Moray LEADER, this event will bring people together National Lottery Awards for All, The Princes’ to celebrate the resourcefulness and Countryside Fund, The James Hutton NEWBIE resilience of the crofting way of life. project and the Isle of Harris Gin Company. The evening event will be a time Moray LEADER programme manager, Norman to dust off your boiler suits for a MacAskill, whose family originate from a crofting three-course meal served by Dede area of Assynt, said “While crofting is not usually McGillivray of Croft no 8, followed by associated with Moray, local action group dancing to the Dandy Ceilidh Band. members were impressed by the energy and Preceding this celebration we will ambition of the proposal from SCF and believe be making two special awards – the it will be a worthwhile investment and a vital part Young Crofter of the Year and the Best of Moray economy. Crofting Newcomer, as part of SCF’s “In particular, it will contribute to Moray commitment to young crofters and to LEADER’s objective of building stronger local mark the Year of Young People 2018. supply chains for Moray food and drink.” Guest speakers will include Fergus Ewing, For more details contact HQ or visit MSP, Mel Irvine of BBC “This Farming Life”, Dr www.crofting.org/events. Lee-Ann Sutherland of the James Hutton Institute, 10 THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018 Celebrating 25 years of the Assynt Crofters’ Trust Assynt crofters certainly know how to throw a party, Leigh Sedgley reports

ROM THE MOMENT the first tent peg went in until the last bit of rubbish was Fcollected off the site, the sun shone, fun was in the air and the North Assynt Estate buzzed with excitement. The first all-ability wheelyboat to be launched in Assynt is now proudly in the water alongside the purpose-built jetty. And what a great day it was for the launch. Forty people heard a speech by Andy Beadsley, director of the Wheelyboat Trust.

Maree Todd MSP, minister for children and young authors. Three local talents – Rory Matheson, people, give a short speech, then Nancy Miller Kim MacLennan and Anna Buxton – mentored named and launched the boat with a wee dram during the day and in the evening launched their poured over her hull and into the loch. All those first CD, The Soil Beneath our Feet, with a well- gathered by the loch then enjoyed cake and a attended concert. wee dram. The sun continued to shine and the The SCF debate (reported on page 11) craic was great. on Wednesday was followed by the launch of The sold-out ceilidh in Drumbeg Hall following Judith Ross Napier’s biography of iconic crofter the launch really got the party started and the and founding member of the Assynt Crofters’ buzz of excitement got louder. Trust, Allan MacRae. Over 100 people filled the On Sunday 1st July events moved into marquee seats and the book was launched to the marquee on Stoer Green for the all-faith rapturous applause. thanksgiving service, which was a tremendous Thanks to funding made available from SCF success. Murray Campbell, superintendent at the for township training, Thursday was our Ewe fisherman’s mission in Lochinver at the time of the to You day. The morning saw three training buy-out, delivered a service that was relevant and workshops (sheep herding, sheep shearing and uplifting, supported by John Mackenzie, one of the sheep husbandry) outside in the fank, all attended original trio of Assynt crofters who masterminded by over 40 people and delivered by three local the buy-out. Donations by the 60+ congregation crofters who did a great job. Inside the marquee, raised £165 to be split between the RNLI and events including demos of wool carding, spinning, Highland Hospice. dyeing, felting, weaving and knitting. Feedback Ullapool pipe band opened proceedings on from visitors for this day was especially great; the Monday morning and again 60+ people filled they loved hearing all about the sheep, watching the seats in the marquee for the keynote speech the activities and participating. from Alastair MacIntosh, which followed a brief Finally the main event – the huge concert and history of the trust from John MacKenzie. A steady party on Friday night. After months of preparation flow of people during the day visited the geology and planning, the day dawned warm and dry and exhibition (kindly lent by the Lairg community) and by the 7pm kick-off it was bright and sunny and the wonderful photographic exhibition from Anne a perfect evening. The bands were nothing short Chown, of life on the North Assynt estate. The of spectacular. From piper Michael Ross who inaugural running of the Peat Road Challenge launched the evening, to local band Traligill and saw 33 runners cover some 10km round the on to James Graham, Rory Matheson and The Stoer and Clachtoll peat roads on a glorious Skala Ceilidh Dance band and The Cowans, the sunny evening. All seemed to love the run and crowds cheered and danced and applauded. the hardened runners amongst the field asked if Blazing Fiddles and Skerryvore were sensational it was going to be an annual event. The winner of and seemed to enjoy the gig every bit as much the men’s race enjoyed the race so much that he as their thrilled audience. The atmosphere in the donated his prize money to the trust. marquee was electric and the crowd buzzing but The mini fèis on Tuesday saw children and good-natured and friendly. The bands seemed to adults participating in various music workshops feed off this energy and played better than ever. – from big kettle drums in the broch to fiddles Then suddenly it was all over. People left with in the marquee and bhodran on the green. happy memories of an incredible week that was Meanwhile, poet Anne Marie Fyfe fine-tuned a true celebration of a historic event that will be the creative writing skills of some of our budding remembered for a long time to come. THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018 11 SCF hosts Allan MacRae memorial debate Russell Smith, who chaired the debate, reports

HE SCF WAS delighted to host a debate at the Assynt Crofters Trust (ACT) 25th Tbuyout celebrations in July. The debate resurrected a long-standing tradition within the organisation for thoughtful and well-mannered debating in memory of past members who had enjoyed a good argument in their day. The debate was preceded by a tribute to Allan MacRae by Ray MacKay of ACT. Allan had been a prime mover in the Assynt buyout but had also been a stalwart of the SCU/SCF and local chair Russell Smith and Ray Mackay for a number of years. We miss him. The motion was “This house believes that The audience also got to have their say, with a agencies could still impose restrictions on the land reform measures in Scotland to date have range of considered and thoughtful comments – land and its development. done little to further their primary objective of many from people who are at the forefront of the There was applause for the suggestion that we greater social justice”. Proposer Peter Peacock, community land movement. Some of the themes shouldn’t be talking about “owning the land” but former MSP, cabinet minister and policy director that emerged were: use the Gaelic sentiment “belonging to the land”. of Community Land Scotland, argued that much • whether the “willing buyer/willing seller” The overall feeling was that land reform was more needed to be done. Iain MacKinnon, model was outdated and that more forceful urgently required – 432 people own 60% of rural long standing SCF member from Skye and measures were needed to break up big land in Scotland. Things were moving in the right research fellow on the governance of land at estates; direction but should be moving much more quickly. Coventry University, described the community • a lot was being put on a limited number of Some quotes from the debate – land ownership movement as a step in land volunteers to deliver and that put considerable • “It is not easy.” reform dating back to the middle ages which strain on those involved; • Community land bodies need the “right to was furthering local democracy and local • more help was needed from central and go wrong” empowerment. The motion was eventually local government and agencies to support • and from Glasgow – “Nothing about us, carried by 29 votes to six, with both speakers local development, eg in planning and without us, is for us.” being warmly applauded for their erudition and infrastructure; The debate was live streamed thanks to efforts. • and that community land furthered local the generous support of Alan Weldon, Ecosse democracy but this had its limits, as outside Technology and Communications Ltd. Garbh Allt is on the map HE GARBH ALLT Community Initiative discussion about the action needed to support Estate, outside the village of Helmsdale community-owned lands to play a pivotal role in Ton the east coast of Sutherland, came the sustainable futures of their communities. into being in June. Garbh Allt chairwoman Anne Fraser says the In almost two years of determined effort initiative is ambitious and aims to develop a solid, by the volunteer directors, they traversed the economically-viable basis from which to push on complexities of business planning and detailed with opportunities identified in the early stages of mapping inherent in purchasing the 3000 acres making the buy-out case. The community ballot of mainly working croft land on behalf of the gave 95% support in favour of buying the land, community. This buy-out cost in the region of meaning Garbh Allt can move forward with this £250,000, financed via the Scottish Government- mandate to deliver with and for the community. funded Scottish Land Fund (SLF), administered In an area which has long suffered from a lack by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the of employment and depopulation, Garbh Allt will Big Lottery Fund, and the SSE Beatrice Fund work to stimulate and support socio-economic (BOWL). opportunities, giving more people the chance to Sutherland Estates approached the local be part of a thriving forward-looking community. grazings committee, indicating they wished to sell Priorities will be informed through on-going the crofting townships of Portgower, Gartymore, collaboration locally and with others who are West Helmsdale and Marrel. This tract of land further ahead on the community land-ownership – steeped in history, moulded and bounded by journey. hill, strath and coast – is sustained and peopled Events are planned to celebrate the purchase by communities young and old. These people, Marrel, Garbh Allt Community Estate, Nr Helmsdale. and give communities near and far an opportunity whether recently arrived or those who have been to unite and appreciate what being community there for generations, are the heart of this crofting landowners can bring to all the people in and community. around the buy-out area. The Garbh Allt buyout will bring a new approach To be part of this new initiative, people can to land ownership in the east of Sutherland. The join, free, the growing membership and/or support significance is not lost on the directors, who follow Garbh Allt’s soon-to-be-launched Founding in the historic footsteps of the founders of the Funders scheme. Please see www.garbhallt.land first branch of the Sutherland Land Law Reform for more information. Association in the 1880s, which in turn became the parent of the Highland Land League. Today Contact: [email protected] 07507696795 communities here and beyond can retrace the www.garbhallt.land past from Garbh Allt land up into the Strath of Garbh Allt Community Initiative, c/o Community Kildonan. Centre, Dunrobin Street, Helmsdale KW8 6JA Land ownership, resettlement and ideas of Allt CI © Garbh SCO 47935 SC54874 rewilding are hot topics nationally, with much Indicative map of Garbh Allt buy-out area 12 THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018

TRAINING Another successful year for SCF training Great to see SCF’s Crofters and Smallholders Skills Boost 2016 – 2019 going from strength to strength.

HE ANNUAL REPORT presented by our quote in Applecross on small jobs, and nearly Increased skills acquisition and confidence: training and development managers, impossible to get more than one quote for grant Participants on the bite-size practical skills TTina Hartley and Lucy Beattie, describes purposes, so it’s easier to do it ourselves. I courses noted: “Feeling confident about using a busy year where the training team made appreciated that this training was for women. a scythe… it instilled confidence in me to handle every effort to meet demand. This resulted in I would not have had the confidence to attend sheep… now feel confident to tackle a line of an additional 11 courses taking place between a course requiring physical effort with men. I fencing, before I wouldn’t have done so… I have July 2017 and June 2018. enjoyed the course.” gained lifelong skills I can build on.” The project aims to provide demand-led short-duration training for crofters and Early stage decision making: Many smallholders in a progressive sequence, “I feel more confident about the participants have noted that training is from access level to practical courses in useful in terms of helping them to make selected skills in primary agriculture. This process of setting up a croft. better decisions that save time and year courses have run in Skye, Gairloch, I know where to go for advice. Great money and help towards the goal of more Aultbea, Moray, Caithness, Argyll, Easter- effective management decisions. In the Ross, Wester-Ross, Lewis, Shetland and presenters and good atmosphere.” access course: “The questions raised by over the past two years of the project SCF participants and the answers/debate that has trained 1039 participants over 1214 resulted was a great learning opportunity… training days – an impressive range of new and crofting has turned from a long-term pipe-dream improved skills. Highlights from project evaluation in year 2 into an achievable goal.” SCF chairman, Russel Smith, said “I The practical skills courses yielded tangible congratulate the training team on their continued New entrants: The Access to Crofting Toolkit feedback in terms of decision-making: “The success in running the courses and workshops. feedback makes it clear that new entrants course improved my knowledge and inspires me It is difficult to set high standards and then appreciate meeting other crofters, interacting to make a better decision to go for it” (Beekeeping, maintain the quality every year but they manage with experienced crofter tutors and interacting Wester Ross). “The most important learning it repeatedly. I am always impressed by the with peer crofters. One new entrant is hopeful point from the day has influenced my decision enthusiasm of the organisers, tutors and that the training will support his future crofting about the type of polytunnel suitable for my site” participants and I come away from the courses aspirations: “I am hopefully going to be given my (Polytunnels, Shetland). energised and re-invigorated. Every year brings father’s land,” (Access to Crofting Toolkit, Skye). in new topics and ideas, so that the syllabus A successor noted “I plan to replace the fences And to sum up feedback, you can’t get better is always relevant and up to date. Thanks for on my grandfather’s croft, following this course,” than this:- another successful year.” (Fencing, Wester Ross). The training team are now heading into their

Strained wire fencing for women courses third and final year of the project and training received publicity both in the press and on TV. Quality of tuition and peer support: The manager Tina said “Time is just moving too quickly. Tina and Lucy had noticed comments in course choice of tutors and preference of local tutors I cannot believe we are heading into year 3 of our evaluations suggesting women-only courses who are actively involved in agriculture has been training project already. Year 2 has taught me that would be beneficial, especially in some of the highlighted as excellent in feedback scores. although it is wonderful that we have received more physical, hands-on practical skills courses Comments include: “I feel more confident funding for the project, some funding criteria do such as fencing, shearing, drystone wall etc. So, about the process of setting up a croft. I know limit us in what we can provide compared to the inspired by the work coming from the Women where to go for advice. Great presenters and demand for certain types of courses. in Agriculture Taskforce, the training team good atmosphere,” (Access to Crofting Toolkit, “I would love to run a training project that advertised two fencing events which took place Kilmartin). “Always good to meet and share can include lots of different elements – digital, near Ullapool and were extremely successful and experience with other crofters. Just as helpful as diversification, heritage, added value plus primary well attended. the tutor,” (Sheep Health, Wester Ross). agriculture. Let’s see what the future brings!” Valerie Hodkinson from Applecross, one of the Hands-on training: “All of the course was participants,said “I have wanted to learn to fence important – being able to get hands-on and Courses fly out the door very quickly and we now for some time. I feel I can save money to put see so many aspects of lambing was great,” hold a waiting list of folk wishing to attend, so towards other areas of the croft by doing fencing (Lambing, Easter Ross). keep an eye on our website www.crofting.org and myself. It is difficult to get fencers to come and our Facebook page, Scottish Crofting Federation @croftingcraic – and don’t forget to sign up for our training newsletter via the website. For all training enquiries please email [email protected]. THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018 13

TRAINING Learn about strained-wire fencing N JULY SCF ran two strained-wire fencing courses at Turriefield in IShetland. We are looking forward to hosting a few more dates in Shetland this coming year and if this interests you, please get in touch to register your interest [email protected]. If you are keen to learn more about strained-wire fencing, get in touch as we can offer this training through the SCF Crofters and Smallholders Skillsboost project. How to place a strainer in a stock fence: Step  First dig a square hole with a spade as far down as you can go.

Step  When you can go no deeper with the spade use shovelers to dig deeper and extract soil and stone. If it’s a strainer for a stock fence the hole needs to be 3 feet deep.

Step  Note how the strainer hole has nice square edges. This is easier to work with and ensures more stability when packing in stones.

Step  Find some good-shaped, flat-faced stones to pack down next to the base of the strainer for a heel and a facing stone. NB Don’t let the stones touch in the strainer hole as this affects the stability of your strainer. UPCOMING training dates Access to Crofting Toolkit Step  Once the strainer and heel and toe stones at the base of the hole are • 1st & 2nd September – Strathpeffer Community placed and driven in using a punch Centre bar, put some of the soil in. The next • 17th & 18th November – Rothes, Moray level of stabilising stones will be put in once soil is back filled about half way up the strainer. Practical Skills Courses

Step  Woodland, sheepdog handling, horticulture and The final layer of stones near the top livestock. of the hole. These have to be driven in hard with a punch bar. More dates to be released for Assynt, Caithness, Skye Step  and Shetland. Complete the backfill of soil and pack down. The strainer is now ready to become part of a fence line. Sign up to the SCF newsletter to keep in the loop – [email protected] One question that often comes up on the courses is – what if my ground is too stony to dig down the right depth? Well we’ve heard a few suggestions from sharp gravel stabilisation to postcrete.

There are lots of challenges when making a fence, if it’s not stones it’s the www.crofting.org midgies. 14 THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018

ON THE CROFT Smart engineering for the development of new sheep scab diagnostics of sheep scab, the recent introduction of a blood test for early, sub-clinical, diagnosis of the disease has considerably improved the tools available to combat the disease. The game changer now would be the possibility to diagnose the disease at the animal-side (a pen-side test), especially at markets or before incoming stock join the main flock. Therefore, this disease represented an ideal model to evaluate how smart engineering can be adapted to solve relevant problems in a practical way. A PhD project, in collaboration between Moredun Research Institute and Heriot-Watt The author with the developed paper device carrying out a A prototype of a laminated paper device fabricated using a University, allowed the sheep scab blood test to blood test for sheep scab laser cutting machine be transferred onto a paper device (image 1). HEEP SCAB IS the most important particular can be applied to disease diagnosis, The fabrication technique used for these devices ectoparasitic disease of sheep in the by allowing diagnostic labs to be transferred into was based on a combination of paper cutting by SUK and it represents a significant threat the field. The technology has been developed laser machine and packaging through thermal to both animal welfare and farm economics. from engineering methods for the fabrication of lamination (image 2). The device was fabricated In the current climate of widespread antibiotic microchips (commonly used in the electronic at a very low cost (£0.3), with a simple, rapid and and anthelmintic resistance and especially after industry) and consists of a fabricated plastic versatile method which did not require special the first report of resistant sheep scab mites to platform that can analyse extremely small expertise. The next step will be validation of the injectable treatment, it is definitely no longer amounts of fluid – just a few drops of blood, for test results on the paper devices and the final appropriate to apply whole flock treatments example – using interconnected networks of design – a paper device that will be available to without a confirmed diagnosis. At the same time, channels measuring less than a few millimetres. farmers and vets as a pen-side test for sheep farmers are extremely busy and the prospect of These “pocket” laboratories have the potential to scab. waiting days for a diagnosis or having to gather automate all the processes involved in performing The most important outcome of this collaborative animals more than once is not exactly appealing, a diagnostic test and can provide reliable project was the process of thinking outside of meaning that a rapid and accurate diagnosis (comparable to the centralised lab), rapid (within the box by exploiting available technologies in would really make a difference in the battle minutes) and on-site results. new ways, promoting the collaboration between against this and other diseases. A particular smart evolution of these experts from different fields, but most importantly Something that has been at the core of technologies is the use of paper to fabricate to target the research at the end-user, ie what agricultural research, and that should really be the devices. Paper is cheap, easy to source needs should be addressed and what outcomes exploited to its full potential, is the use of the and biodegradable. Chips made from paper are are available to them as practical solutions to modern technologies to make farming more low-cost, do not require external power sources, solve challenging situations. efficient and less labour intensive – what is now whilst fabrication techniques and machinery for called smart farming. production are usually less expensive, with minimal Valentina Busin Among the emerging technologies, one in technical expertise required. In the specific case Moredun Research Institute Feed the beast; cultivate compost Jamie Robertson, honorary research The base requirements are to Fill with green waste as it becomes fellow, University of Aberdeen construct a simple bin to contain available, and spread evenly within green waste as it becomes available the container. HERE IS NOTHING new and a lid to cover the compost and The detail IS important, as about composting, but as a prevent persistent rainfall from clumps of densely packed material Ttask that relies on little more turning the whole process into an will not compost easily. The process than labour and foresight, just like anaerobic mess. is greatly helped by the addition of dry-stone walling, ditching, weed The compost bin should be small quantities of manure such as control and maintaining drains, it treated like a healthy stomach, with hen pen or sheep droppings which is a task that has fallen away from a steady supply of varied inputs. add nitrogen to the mix and improve use. And the benefits lost. Large volumes of the same material the carbon/nitrogen ratio. Compost Those benefits include adding such as bracken fronds or long accelerators are not expensive and a complex of organic matter and grass ignored by sheep need some make a good investment, whilst nutrients to the plant-growth zone help to promote composting. Mixing nettles, comfrey and vegetable of soils, the slow release of those different types of vegetation into the waste will all increase the diversity nutrients and the stimulation of bin is the simplest solution. of minerals in the mix. microbial growth in the root zone. A compost pit can take many The compost will settle; keep All these will contribute to improved forms and will depend on what adding material until the box is full. one box is full, start another, with plant growth. materials are available at minimal In our climate the lid is valuable as useable material available after a Composting can be lifted from cost. The target is to create it prevents the composting process year or two. Open up the side of the casual chucking of green a container that allows air to from slowing down, maintains a box using a crowbar. Expect a waste into a corner of the yard to permeate the contents at all levels. aerobic conditions and retains variety of material, with the finest a more controlled process that is For example, take seven pallets, the heat that is vital to degrade compost for the vegetable patch and able to produce a steady annual stand them on end, nail together, unwanted seeds. I use discarded the rough stuff suitable for mulching. contribution to soil improvement. and form two open topped cubes. sheets of OSB, cut to size. When Easy. THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018 15

ON THE CROFT Donald's hortiblog

ELL, I’VE SAID it often enough. Every year is different – and what Wa year this is turning into. As I write in early July we are experiencing hot and dry, indeed drought, conditions. Here in northwest Skye we recorded an astounding temperature of 31.5 degrees at the end of June. This was in complete contrast to the middle of the month when we were hit by Storm Hector. Weather forecasters described this event as very unusual for the time of year. This is not so, at least in the western and northern isles; and in fairly recent experience. Where we used to live and work, in the west of Lewis, there was a name for this recognised Tropical conditions in the polytunnel. Leeks struggling in the drought. weather phenomenon; rotach bhodaich bhig, cabbage crop might be written off, with severe well, but are coming to an end early due to the “the storm of the wee old men” (please, anyone, consequences the following winter. conditions. We are eagerly awaiting what appears feel free to correct my Gaelic). The wee old Luckily, our outdoor brassica crops were to be a heavy tomato crop to ripen, but meantime, men referred to were two fishermen who set out protected and the damaged potatoes appear to we are picking cucumbers and we have under sail in fine, settled weather to fish around be recovering. aubergines at least a month early. Overwintered the Flannan Isles, those isles notorious for the Following this year’s June gale, the weather garlic has been lifted and is drying for storage; 19th century disappearance of the lighthouse change was dramatic. Polytunnel crops are and onions from seed sown in February are keepers. A severe storm blew up out of nowhere, well advanced but supplying them with water in ready to lift. A huge crop of sugar-snap peas for that is the characteristic of the June gale. the arid Isle of Skye is even more challenging has been very popular with our customers and The fishermen’s boat was driven ashore and, than usual. The public water supply has not a second crop of these is ready to plant out. We fortunately, they were rescued after a few days. kept pace with the island’s boom in tourism and optimistically planted a polytunnel crop of broccoli The effects of a June storm could be house building, and there is little natural water hoping for a quick return, but this has struggled in devastating for crofters in the days when growing storage capacity due to the island’s geology and the heat and we have been fighting off a cabbage food was a matter of life and death. The tender, topography. As long as the burn running through moth attack. newly-emerged shaws of potatoes would be the croft continues to trickle, we can manage. So far so good. A good drop of rain would be broken off. In Shetland, the recently-planted Outdoor strawberries have cropped very more than welcome, as long as it stops... Skye grassland trials update SAC’s Janette Sutherland reports on Monitor Farms. You can follow these results on social media using HIS IS THE second year #soilmyundies.The Farm Advisory of the Skye and Lochalsh Service nutrient network farm, in TGrassland Group, which Waternish, Skye also used bait is funded by the Universities lamina sticks to try to assess this in Innovation Fund. 2017.Another discussion focused The meetings and trials have on the biodiversity benefits of all been kindly hosted by crofter liming, since wading birds – such Ian Duncan of Feorlig, Skye. On as lapwing, oystercatcher and 3rd July nine crofters and farmers curlew – feed on earthworms and met to discuss the on-croft trials other invertebrates, which thrive in undertaken so far and ideas for soils with higher pH. future trials. This was excellent In previous articles we have Grassland David Lawson describes the slow release fertiliser trial attendance in light of a world cup talked about the slow-release year various nitrogen-fixing plants Other species trialled were yellow clash.Visits to the trial plots sparked fertiliser trials. We are testing were oversown into an established trefoil, bird’s-foot trefoil and vetch. a range of interesting discussions. slow-release fertilisers for a second grassland sward. The trial site has In addition, plantain was sown “How can we measure soil year, in very different weather a pH of six and also moderate due to its potential health benefits microbes?” one participant asked. conditions from 2017. The initial levels of soil phosphate. This is for sheep.It will be interesting to SRUC grassland expert David grass height measurements do not an excellent basis to establish see how these plants fare over Lawson suggested the tea bag favour the slow release fertilisers clovers, as most struggle with low the season. In addition to the method, where tea bags are this year, unlike last. However pH and low phosphate conditions.It production benefits, the plants will buried and their breakdown used the experiment is not over. We is always worthwhile to know your provide a food source for many to assess soil decomposition. As will shortly be taking silage yield soil pH and fertility levels. If you pollinators. There are estimates facilitator, I offered to provide the measurements. wish to know more about getting that bird’s-foot trefoil is a food tea bags if people were willing This year we have established soil analysed please contact your source for 160 invertebrates, to bury them.Other participants a new trial on different types of local SAC office. so incorporating these species mentioned the-bury-your- nitrogen fixers. These are plants Species sown included white can benefit both your crofting underpants method they had that can convert nitrogen from the clover, crimson clover, berseem enterprise and the natural world. read about in the farming press air into the soil. In the spring of this clover, alsike clover and red clover. 16 THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018

ON THE CROFT Cheese, ice cream, soap: adding value to crofting Mary Norton reports return comes from ice cream, then butter, hard cheeses, soft cheeses, HE BRINGING Back Dairy then yoghurt (huge supermarket conference was held on competition) and kefir. TGrimsay in March, with 22 Value also comes from figuring participants from the Uists, Lewis out what kinds of production and and the mainland. The practical what daily/annual schedule works side of small-scale dairying was for you, and wasting nothing. For explored in talks, discussions and example, at West Highland Dairy a workshop. Some of the high they kept lambs for only three weeks points were: and sold them on for finishing, but others might want to include meat Animals on the land in their business plan. We tasted a Whatever animal you keep, it Swedish cheese selling at £50 per needs to be the right breed for the kilo. land. This is easier on the beast, Cheese-making workshop with Kathy Biss (West Highland Dairy) the crofter and the wallet. Smaller There was some discussion is better. Anything they can do in of other possible croft products – the Nordic countries is physically from soap to salami. Viable food possible here. businesses enrich the community, Sheep – Don’t try Frieslands, provide food security for the area, they can’t stand the wet. Any breed and offer interesting tourism can be milked. Note the ewes opportunities. with the healthiest lambs and try them. Texels are quite good; even Progressing Hebrideans can be milked. Sheep’s The cheese-making workshop milk is richer than cows’ in protein group tended toward two different and fat. Ten litres of sheep milk can models: produce two kilos of cheese, but 1) get on with it, get started and cows’ only one kilo. Sheep cheese work cooperatively. One croft could does not have to taste of sheep. Talk on dairy, land and breeds, Bosse Dahlgren have the stock and milk, another Goats – The group learned useful could make products. details about raising goats. They do 2) seek funding and establish a need some shelter, like a polytunnel. dairy. They can be bred at 18 months, and The group plans to meet up again can run through into a second year to sample their hard cheese, now of milking. With good care, a good being aged at West Highland Dairy, animal can produce three litres of and see where their thoughts have milk daily. led them. Cows – Recommended were The overall view of the presenters Dexters, Shetlands and Belties. was that small can be high-value Highlanders’ milk is rich, making and manageable. There’s no need top-notch ice cream. to think big. Make a good product, Any milking animal needs some don’t be pressured into expanding extra input as they are being pushed Dairy conference panel L to R – Kathy Biss, Ena MacDonald (Uist crofter), Bosse Dahlgren more than you want to. Small harder. Pay attention to grazing (Swedish dairy cooperative), Wendy Barrie (Scottish Food Guide Slow Food Scotland), dairying can be a good add-on to a management and good access to Dave Eastwood (Lewis Cheese Company) crofting business. water and shelter. testing has risen from £5 to £40, cottages. Keeping things clean and due to changes in legislation. organised is essential to a good Thanks to the exceptional All about milk Also modern people have weaker product. presenters for bringing their There’s a lot to know about immune and digestive systems, expertise to Uist: milk that affects how you work and are less able to tolerate diverse Value Kathy Biss of West Highland Dairy with it, whether making cheese, bacteria. But pasteurising (64º C for Added value comes from well- (Wester Ross), Dave Eastwood of pasteurising or freezing. Milk 30 minutes or 72º for 15 seconds) made, distinctive products with a Lewis Cheese Company (Back), products are complex and full of can be done with a bucket in a boiler. good story. Dairy products vary Wendy Barrie: Scottish Cheese living organisms. Managing the Facilities can be very small. Isle of greatly in return on investment of Trail / Scottish Food Guide (Fife), bacteria and enzymes is what Lewis Cheese built their entire dairy time and money. Because liquid Bosse Dahlgren: traditional farming makes the different products and for about £5,000 (using an existing milk has a guaranteed market and and native breeds (Sweden and flavours. The group learned about building) by sourcing used materials no storage/cash flow problems, with Fife). Thanks also to Uibhistich the structure and behaviour of milk. and equipment. There must be a low labour/ time requirements, it is Ena MacDonald and Phil Jubb for Raw milk? Pasteurised? The milking stand and yoke, whether the most cost-effective way to sell sharing their experience, to Alasdair conclusion was that making raw milking by hand or by machine. milk. All the other products are costly MacEachen for reference material, milk products for sale is not a good Some prize-winning Swedish in time/labour/storage and most and to SNH (Scotland’s Natural idea anymore, for two reasons. It’s dairies are housed in small wooden cause cash flow problems. The best Larder programme) for financial expensive, as the cost of fortnightly support. THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018 17

ON THE CROFT Teas an t-samhraidh HA SAMHRADH ceart againn agus teas is tiormachd a’ dol fad sheachdainean. T An dèidh geamhradh air leth fliuch, tha e na thlachd a bhith a’ coiseachd air talamh gun a bhith a’ dol sìos gu na h-adhbrannan ann am poll. Chan e a-mhàin sin, ach tha a h-uile rud cho furasta. Chaidh obair an earraich a dhèanamh gun strì, eadar threabhadh, innearadh agus cur, agus thàinig fàs aon uair ‘s gun robh beagan teas san talamh. A-nis, leis cho tioram ‘s a tha e, rinn sinn feur, agus eadhon am buntàta fhèin a’ coimhead feitheamh air digear. Gu fortanach cha b’ urrainn ged a tha e nas taine nan abhaist, ach bha an tioram. Tha feur air na tomannan a’ dol ruadh do fhear an digeir tighinn gu o chionn goirid, agus cothrom ann. Chan eil e soirbh feur a dhèanamh agus chuala mi air na naidheachdan gu bheil mar sin, tha am monadh cho tioram ‘s a bha e san taobh an iar, agus am bitheantas bidh againn cuid de thuathanaich a’ gabhail dragh nach bi riamh. Bha an digear a’ siubhal tro àiteannan a ri plòigh air choireigin a chur am feum, ge b’ ann geamhrachadh gu leòr aca do na beathaichean bhiodh gu tur do-dhèanta dha, beagan mhìosan le cocannan a chur suas no am feur a chrochadh – ged a tha cuid eile ag innse gu bheil an stuth a air ais. Ach an dèidh sin, aon uair ‘s gun robh na air ueirichean. rinn iad den ghnè as àirde – agus ‘s e an fhìrinn digean fosgailte bha uisge a’ ruith annta – annas Ach, am-bliadhna, cha robh ann ach a a tha sin. Mar an ceudna, tha gnè na measan nan annasan! thionndadh dhà na trì trupan, agus bha e deiseil boga, na sùbhan, aig àirde cuideachd – agus an Ged a tha cion uisge na dhuilgheadas, tha airson bèileadh. Mar sin, obair a bhios tric a’ dol t-iarrtais air an son. buannachdan na lùib agus gun teagamh togail- fad an t-samhraidh dèanta aig toiseach an Iuchair. Bha mi a-mach air drèanadh an turas mu inntinn a bhith faicinn na grèine! A-nis ge-tà tha, an talamh a’ fàs cho tioram ‘s gu dheireadh, ‘s am baile againn a’ cur air dòigh bheil cuid de bhàrr ann an cunnart seargadh uile sgeime drèanaireachd. Bha plan againn, chuir le Gabhan Mac a’ Phearsain gu lèir. Tha glasraich feumach air uisgeachadh sinn a-staigh airson grant agus bha sinn a’ Scottish Smallholder Festival returns to Forfar FTER SIX YEARS at Thanks to support form the Lanark Agricultural Centre, Scottish Government, entry to the A the Scottish Smallholder main event will be free, with tickets Festival returns to Forfar Mart, giving entry to demonstrations and with a new date and format talks available for only £10. but with all the inspiring and Rosemary Champion, one informative content of previous of the organising team, said, years. “We’re working hard to finalise This year’s festival moves to the programme and details will be Sunday 28th October, later in the on the website soon – www.ssgf. year, but giving an opportunity uk. We’re really looking forward to to get in a bit of early Christmas being back at Forfar and being more shopping at the variety of craft and accessible to folk from the north of trade stands. Scotland.” With no showing classes for goats and sheep this year, the festival will showcase as many breeds of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and native equines as possible, with a focus on the breeds most likely to appeal to smallholders. Visitors will be able to chat with owners, breeders and breed society representatives as well as watching (and taking part in) a range of demonstrations. The seminar programme remains – fifteen talks on a wide variety of subjects – plus craft and rural skills demonstrations. The poultry and waterfowl show continues, as does the garden, craft and food competition, with a wide selection of classes including sticks and crooks, jams and jellies and crafted fleece and fibre. With the return to Forfar, there’s a welcome return of local artisan food, with a range of producers lined up to provide fantastic food to take home or enjoy on the day. 18 THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018 scottish smAllholder festivAl 2018 Eilidh MacLellan Crofting Law Consultant

[email protected] Tel. 07876 513404 Scotland’s largest smallholder show www.camus.scot There’s something for everyone at the Festival, whether you’re a seasoned smallholder or a complete novice...

• General, specific and strategic advice w Rare and traditional breeds of livestock for crofters, landlords, law firms, w Goat, sheep, pig & cattle showcases land agents, estate agents, grazings w Poultry and waterfowl show w committees and sheep stock clubs Smallholding demonstrations & seminars (ticket required) w Garden, craft & food competition • Negotiation of terms in advance of a w Craft fair croft purchase w Garden, craft & kitchen demonstrations w Trade stands and exhibition • Croft and common grazing registrations w Native breed horses and ponies and challenges NEW FOR 2018: Local, quality, artisan food & drink to take • Regulatory applications, e.g. decrofting, home or enjoy at the Festval assignation, letting, reorganisation Sunday 28th October 2018 • Croft status investigations at The Forfar Mart Free entry & parking Croft 1/9 Camustianavaig, Braes, Isle of Skye IV51 9LQ Schedules, entry forms & tickets available now at: www.SSGF.uk

Ian Blackford MP Member of Parliament for Ross, Skye & Lochaber

Future Surgery dates will be advertised in the local press

Tel: 01349 866397 Email: [email protected] Twitter: @IBlackfordSNPMP 29 High Street Facebook: facebook.com/IanBlackford.SNP Dingwall Web: http://ianblackford.scot IV15 9RU

strath print

Quality print and professional design tailored to your specific needs. Ask us for a quote!

Broadford, Isle of Skye, IV49 9AP Tel: 01471 822 555 www.strathprint.co.uk THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018 19

ON THE CROFT Focusing on local seed Project coordinator Maria Scholten describes Programme is currently being rolled out and For those who are not familiar with it: this started a new initiative has seen the development of a series of training in 2012 with a Lister motor, a fan and a shipping events on different aspects of seed saving and container and is still evolving. T HAS BEEN a bit quiet around local seed production. So how can the Seed Sovereignty Programme and local corn landraces on the Hebrides Groups involved thus far are mainly be useful for crofting areas beside flagging Isince the end of the Machair LIFE+ project. small-scale commercial vegetable growers up nation-wide crofters’ crops and seeds? Is The recently-launched EC-funded Farmer’s with an interest in diversifying into valuable there interest in training about field harvesting Pride project described below creates an seed crops. Seed-saving groups have also crofters’ corn, to transfer the expertise of seed opportunity to take stock of what crop diversity expressed interest – in Scotland, for example, production to younger generations? Or even to crofting areas still harbour and how this can be in Aberdeenshire. reintroduce crops and seeds to crofting areas linked with and benefit from other European As coordinator for the programme in where traditional crops have been lost? networks for the conservation of traditional Scotland, having been involved in research and Your views will be sought later this summer. farmers’ varieties. conservation of local seed with Machair LIFE+, Hopefully both projects will offer space to A second project by The Gaia Foundation, Crofting Connections and learning modules evaluate the legacy of work done previously; covering the UK and Ireland, could potentially about local seed for the crofting course at Sgoil what needs have arisen since; what interests underpin the Farmers’ Pride inventory. Lionacleit, I find some irony in the name of the crofters have in further action to promote this The general background to the UK and project “Seed Sovereignty”, when in crofting unique crofting diversity. Ireland Seed Sovereignty Programme (2018 areas entire islands of seed sovereignty exist -2020) is that the market for organic or low- – think Shetland or Uist – where generations of You do not have to wait to be contacted, input produce is growing and the use of organic crofters have been maintaining traditional crops email or phone – [email protected] or seed made compulsory for organic producers. through local seed production, processing and 07388086438. Existing seed businesses are unable to meet storage. The DIY seed-drying facility in Iochdar www.gaiafoundation.org/what-we-do/food- demand and are looking for more vegetable and on South Uist comes to mind as a good example seed-and-climate-change-resilience/seed- cereal seed producers. The Seed Sovereignty of crofters’ inventiveness and independence. sovereignty-uk-ireland-programme The importance of crofting in landrace cultivation

Shetland kale on Whalsay Uist barley at Lionacleit Benbecula Nigel Maxted outlines an important for more sustainable and efficient mainly in crofting areas. Landraces term basis. new survey agricultural systems. Although are particularly important in terms Therefore, this summer Liv, food security can be improved by of food security because they still Maria and I will be traveling through NSURING FOOD security changing social behaviours, such sustain diversity, not being actively Orkney, Shetland and the Hebrides for now and the future is one as altering diets and preventing bred like commercial cultivars for meeting up with crofters to record Eof the greatest challenges unnecessary food waste, mitigating uniformity. what landraces they maintain, of our time. the agricultural impact of climate The University of Birmingham their cultivation and uses and One in nine people worldwide change is likely to have the greatest recently obtained funding from importantly, what are your views on suffer from chronic hunger and the benefit. This will involve developing the EU for the Farmer’s Pride how the network can better help you human population is projected to more sustainable and extensive project (www.farmerspride.eu), continue landrace cultivation. rise to 9.7 billion by 2050 – meaning agronomic management systems which aims to establish a network If you are a crofter who does, did an extra 2.2 billion mouths to feed. and climate-smart crop varieties of stakeholders and sites across or would like to grow crop landraces Food production is also expected better able to withstand changing Europe (not just the EU) where and would be willing to speak to us, to be greatly impacted by climate environmental conditions. landrace or crop-wild-relative (wild please contact Maria Scholten at change, with production likely to The Scottish northern and species closely related to crops) 07388086438 and we will get back decrease by 25% in the latter half western islands have a role to play. diversity is maintained. to you to organise an interview. of the century, if crop varieties In 2003 - 2004 the University of Living in the UK, we wanted to are not adapted to the changing Birmingham undertook a review of ensure UK landrace maintainers Nigel Maxted1, Olivia Shoemark1 environment. the cultivation of UK crop landraces, and hotspots of crop diversity were and Maria Scholten2 In addition, other pressures such that is those traditional varieties included, so we wish to survey School of Biosciences, University of as dwindling ecosystem services, not formally bred but maintained which crofters still grow crop Birmingham 1 diminishing water supplies, scarcity on farms and crofts. The highest landraces and how the network to 2 Free-lance researcher and advisor, of pollinators and competition for concentration of these landraces be established might better support Inverness land emphasise the urgent need was found on Scottish islands, landrace maintenance on a long- 20 THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018 Croft woodlands need YOU – a call for volunteers

INCE 2015, the Croft Woodland environment, we would love to hear from you. Oban, as well as one each on Eigg and Islay. Project has been helping crofters and Failing that, enthusiasm and a willingness to get We’ll aim to find activities for each person smallholders create woodlands. Interest S involved is enough to start with. We’ll give you as close to home as possible, but there will be in planting trees has grown so much that our some training, and you’ll develop plenty of new some travel, and volunteers will need to have small team of advisers is now looking for up skills and experience along the way. access to suitable transport. Assistance with to five local woodland volunteers to help meet Each woodland volunteer will be working closely travel expenses will be provided. demand across the crofting counties. with one of the three regional croft woodland The roles will be varied, but are likely to include: If you have practical skills and a bit of advisers. We are hoping to have one volunteer • visiting sites to carry out an initial assessment knowledge about trees, crofting, or the natural based near Inverness, one on Lewis and one near of suitability for tree planting;

Find us on the at the Forestry Commission & Scotland stand Black Isle, Mid Argyll Lochaber Shows We’re also at the National Mòd

Trees provide important shelter for your livestock, crops and buildings, and a valuable source of woodfuel. Free advice and support is available to crofters, common grazings and Trees for smallholders to help with planting and managing woodlands. the crofting Get in touch with your local croft woodlands advisor and find out how community useful trees are.

0343 770 5847 [email protected] woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018 21 to help meet demand for creating new woodlands

• co-ordinating local distribution of The woodland volunteer opportunities will be MOREwoods* trees during the planting advertised on the Woodland Trust website later season; this summer – www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/get- • helping crofters source and order trees for involved/volunteer-with-us/opportunities. Or just Forestry Grant Scheme† projects; drop us a line at [email protected] • giving a hand with planting, including practical and we’ll send you an information pack as soon help with tree identification, site layout, tree as it is available. planting and installing guards; If you have time, an affinity with trees and are • visiting planted sites and offering advice on willing to give your neighbours a hand, then the aftercare ; Croft Woodlands Project needs YOU! • promoting croft woodlands on social media, at shows and events; *MOREwoods offers subsidised trees and • taking photos to record what’s being delivered; guards to crofters, farmers and landowners. • other exciting things – maybe some tree †The Forestry Grant Scheme offers grants for nursery work. new woodland planting © John Macpherson Highland self-build loan fund

OLLOWING A review of • have both planning the self-build loan fund permission and a building Fpilot in the Highland warrant in place to allow area, the minister for local work on the project to start government and housing within a period agreed announced in November 2017 between the self-builder a three-year £4m self-build and the fund administrator. loan fund, which will offer The house has to be the sole financial assistance to people residence of the applicant once who want to build their own the project is completed and home. applicants must demonstrate The fund, which will be that standard bank lending is not launched in Autumn 2018, will available to support the project. offer eligible self-builders across The review of the Highland Scotland in both urban and rural pilot indicated that several areas loans of up to £175,000 respondents would welcome for development costs related to more specific guidance on the their self-build project. This will implications of crofting. Scottish enable self-builders to reach Government officials confirm The Highland Small Communities HSCHT receives funding from build completion and therefore this will be addressed in the Housing Trust (HSCHT) is a registered a variety of sources including the access a traditional mortgage revised guidance for the national charity set up in 1998 to help rural Scottish Government and various which can then be used to repay fund. communities secure long term charitable trusts and foundations, the loan. Further information on the solutions to their local housing needs. in addition to its own income from Applicants will be expected Highland pilot can be found at HSCHT has made affordable rural housing development work and other to have: the Highland Small Communities homes a reality for local households fee-earning business activities. • full land ownership of their Housing Trust website – www. and communities across the length and building plot or have a hscht.co.uk/highland-self-build- breadth of the Highlands. www.hscht.co.uk contract to buy the land; and loan-fund.html. 22 THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018

Visit your local Harbro Country Store • Pets • Garden • Equine • Hens at Home

To find your nearest store visit our website

harbro.co.uk

www.crofting.org THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018 23

MEMBERS PAGES What our members think of the SCF HANK YOU TO the 363 occupiers, so we as an organisation members who replied Q11: Effectiveness of SCF rated - weighed average 4.02 need to represent both strands of Tto the survey in the last crofting and treat them the same. edition of The Crofter. We are a There were four sub-tenants in the membership organisation so it is survey. vital that we are aware of who our 63% keep sheep and 27% keep members are and what they are cattle. Around 20% keep poultry thinking. 1. ineffective and practise horticulture, with 12% This article looks at some of the 2. not particularly effective 3. neither effective nor ineffective mentioning forestry. high-level results from the survey. 4. moderately effective The main reasons for joining We will look at the responses to the 5. very effective the SCF were to support crofting question on which member services and to be kept informed, with are most useful in more detail in the assistance and advice also featuring next edition. prominently. The key question for the board Just under a third of responses is perhaps “How do you rate the were from females. effectiveness of the SCF?” Around 34% have other on-croft This showed that most people income-generating activities, mainly thought that the SCF was tourist accommodation but also moderately or very effective with The biggest concern for the future questions (and bearing in mind including crafts, some contracting an average rating of 4 out of 5. This of crofting was about economic that the results are for those who businesses and a few unrelated is slightly better than the rating the viability – support payments, Brexit answered the survey so may not be last time we asked this question four etc. Secondly, you were concerned representative of all members or of professional services which use years ago, so we are moving in the about access to crofts for young crofters in general) – the croft as a base. Other crofters right direction. But there is still room people and the aging of the crofting or family members will have outside to improve. population. These are key issues 87% occupy or have the use of employment to boost household Newer members are more likely that SCF is tackling. The future a croft. income. to give a higher rating. of crofting depends on it being 72% have a share in a common We are also grateful to those who profitable and on getting new people grazings, but we don’t have supplied their contact details, as we The written comments ranged and new ideas into the fank. information on how many actually endeavour to keep our database from “I guess they are doing the Crofting law is also important use their share or in how many up to date so we can get in touch best they can with the resources for the future but was less of an cases the grazings share has been with you. If you haven’t given your available,” to “thank goodness SCF immediate concern for members, separated from the in bye. email address to [email protected], is in existence,” and the enigmatic as it is something that only touches The average length of time that please do so and you will get the “we get the committee members we us now and again. respondents have held their crofts is monthly newsletter and other useful deserve.” Training gets a number of Only one member had “no just over 20 years and the average information delivered to your inbox. very positive comments. worries”! length of membership is 10 years. Thanks again for taking the time We will take them all on board. Looking at some of the other 62% are tenants, 37% owner to complete the survey. Helping our members

NE OF THE many benefits of SCF membership is access to information and assistance on the wide range of issues Owhich may arise on and around the croft. Queries can range from responsibility for maintenance of mutual boundary fences; creating a croft; apportionments; appealing on refusal of a grant; access by others onto croft land; shooting rights; marauding deer; training; croft woodlands; sheep stock clubs; management of common grazings and use of shares; accessing finance; plus many and varied other topics. Members are advised to contact SCF HQ with as much background detail as possible, preferably by email, in order to help us provide the most appropriate signposting and information. If SCF HQ staff are unable to assist immediately, they refer the case on to our panel of volunteers, who are all members with practical experience of crofting and its administration and challenges. It can occasionally take a few days for these busy people, who are all unpaid volunteers with crofts to run and day jobs, to find time to reply to HQ in detail to members’ queries, but from these HQ staff will compile a response as quickly as possible for the member. If the member’s enquiry is of a legal and complex nature, he or she will be referred on to SCF’s legal advisory service, which provides initial free advice and a discounted rate on legal fees if the solicitor takes on the case. This service is only available to paid-up members. 24 THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018

CLASSIFIED ADS Sell your unwanted croft equipment (and other stuff) for just 30p per word.

Get in touch: [email protected] or 01599 530 005

Brian Inkster, Fergus Ewing and Russell Smith at the Royal Highland Show.

RHODA GRANT MSP Alasdair Allan MSP/BPA Highlands & Islands Regional MSP (Scottish Labour) If anybody would like to meet with Alasdair Allan, Member of the Scotti sh Parliament for the Western Isles, Constituents’ Telephone Surgery he can be contacted using the following details: (During Parliamentary Sessions) Ma tha duine sam bith ag iarraidh coinneachadh ri Alasdair Allan, Ball-Pàrlamaid na h-Alba airson nan Eilean Wednesday 1-2pm Siar faodaidh sibh a cleachdadh na seòlaidhean a leanas:

Address/Seòladh: Telephone/Àireamh-Fòn: 0131 348 5766 20 Kenneth Street 01851 700357  Stornoway [email protected] Isle of Lewis E-Mail/Post-Dealain:  PO Box 5717, Inverness IV1 1YT HS1 2DR [email protected] www.himsps.org.uk  www.alasdairallan.scot    FERTILISER  GRASS SEED  CEREAL SEED ANIMAL HEALTH PRODUCTS ANIMAL FEEDSTUFFS FEED BLOCKS 'ĞŶĞƌĂůŐƌŝĐƵůƚƵƌĂůWƌŽĚƵĐƚƐŝǀŝƐŝŽŶ SCOTSBURN ROAD FEED BUCKETS  KILDARY  ROSS-SHIRE MINERALS IV18 ONJ &ĞƌƚŝůŝƐĞƌ LIME TELEPHONE: 01862 842552 DRAFF RICKY MICHALEK: 07967 028159 DAVID'ƌĂƐƐ MACKENZIE:–ƐĞĞĚ 07854 229945 ĞƌĞĂůͲƐĞĞĚ ŶŝŵĂů,ĞĂůƚŚWƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ ŶŝŵĂů&ĞĞĚƐƚƵĨĨƐ &ĞĞĚůŽĐŬƐ &ĞĞĚƵĐŬĞƚƐ DŝŶĞƌĂůƐ >ŝŵĞ

ƌĂĨĨ    ^Kd^hZEZK Zz ZK^^Ͳ^,/Z /sϭϴϬE:  d>W,KEϬϭϴϲϮϴϰϮϱϱϮ Z/<͗ϬϳϵϲϳϬϮϴϭϱϵ s/D<E/͗ϬϳϴϱϰϮϮϵϵϰϱ THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018 25

MEMBERS PAGES A sympathetic ear when you need it Jim Hume, convener of the National Rural Mental you’re put through to the Samaritans Health Forum, outlines a resource for us all in volunteer who has been waiting the times of difficulty. longest from across the UK – not the one nearest you. So you’re just as likely to HE SCOTTISH Crofting Federation is speak to someone in Cornwall as you are part of the National Rural Mental Health someone in Inverness. TForum, a growing body of organisations 5. It won’t be confidential or anonymous committed to tackling mental health and When you call Samaritans, your number wellbeing across rural Scotland. is not displayed to our volunteer. The Membership includes government phones we use don’t have caller display departments, NHS organisations, mental health information on them. In fact, when you organisations and, importantly, organisations call us our number won’t even show like the SCF with outreach into remote and rural up on your phone bill. You don’t have parts of Scotland. The forum is raising awareness to give your real name or any personal through its membership of mental health, feeds information if you don’t want to. into different government policies to ensure that 6. I can only call once and only for so long the rural aspect of experiencing mental ill health opportunity to talk about any thoughts or You can contact them whenever you is taken into account, furthering research and feelings you have, whatever they may be. need by phone, email or text. And you building capacity in communities. They won’t make decisions for you, they’re can take as long as you need. Your call is One of the organisations is the Samaritans. here to listen and help you find your own completely free – you don’t need credit on Most people have heard of them, yet not many way through. your mobile and can call without money have a real understanding of what they do and 2. They are a religious organisation from a phone box. how their service works and why you might want They’re not religious. They don’t impose to contact them. We therefore think it useful to any personal attitudes or beliefs on you Anyone can contact Samaritans for FREE any give you an insight into their work. Below, we and are a non-judgemental organisation. time from any phone on 116 123. This number tackle some myths and misconceptions. 3. They don’t work in Scotland won’t be on your phone bill. Or you can email Samaritans opened their first branch in [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org to 1. You have to be suicidal to contact Scotland in 1959 – their second-ever find details of your nearest branch. Samaritans branch in the UK. They have around 1,000 Most people who contact Samaritans trained volunteers in branches across For more information on the National Rural Mental are not suicidal. They’re here for anyone Scotland, from Stornoway to Selkirk. Health Forum, visit www.ruralwellbeing.org. who is struggling and who might need 4. They’ll speak to someone local if I call The convener’s email is someone to listen. They will give you an When you call their free 116 123 number, [email protected]. John MacLeod, Daviot T WAS WITH great sadness that we Black Isle and eventually settled at his croft at and heady days of setting up the SCU, where he learned of the passing of John MacLeod Daviot West, where he made his home with became a very effective vice-president and an Ion 14th June. his wife Annie and family of three sons, Hugh, excellent local area chairman and ambassador. John was raised in Linicro, North Skye, where Alastair and Ruaridh and his daughter Kay. His support for crofting was steadfast and time he took over the family croft from his elderly John’s lifetime passion for all things spent in his company was a link to the past father who was not in robust health. mechanical and agricultural was realised when interspersed with a vision for the future. This is just a potted history and a much fuller he became an avid collector and custodian Always willing to espouse the crofting account can be read in Kilmuir and Kilmaluig, of vintage farming and crofting equipment. interest, John was very often the go-to man North Skye, More Echoes from the Past, namely He was instrumental as a co-founder in the for an opinion or quote. His work for the media From Stallions to Smolts, the Iain Uisdean Story. setting up of the Strathnairn Vintage Machinery was always well thought out and equally well From there he ran a sixty-acre farm in the Working Show which is held every year. Without received. his knowledge and a wide circle of fellow His funeral from Smithton Free Church, enthusiasts, a precious heritage would have Inverness, where he was a faithful member, was been lost. standing room only, a testament to the man and He willingly embraced modern technology a life well spent. The cortège left the church to which culminated in the award of a first prize the strains of what was obviously a favourite in Scotland for energy conservation and a high family song which was very poignant and well placing at UK level. suited to the occasion. John was an entrepreneur, with the unfailing We pass on our sincere condolences to Annie support of Annie. During the course of a very full and his family, who were a great source of pride life he had been a pioneer in the then fledgling but to him. They will miss him greatly but will be fragile fish farming industry, where his company strengthened by fond memories. Bridge of Faille Smolts became a byword for Crofting is the poorer for his passing, but his quality and innovation, acknowledged as one of contribution will not be forgotten, a luminary with Europe’s largest producers in his time. strong links to the past and positive about the At various times he ran a haulage company, future, which can best be summarised in his a bed and breakfast establishment as well as native tongue, Fior dhuine, caraid dileas agus the myriad duties of raising a family and a large deagh Ghaidheal. crofting enterprise. John had been very much in the mainstream NML 26 THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018

MEMBERS PAGES Retirement at last for John Bannister MBE

John received an industry training award John Bannnister showing African agriculturalists round his croft RIGINALLY A policeman the SCF’s training programme. He understood the concept of retiring points of regulations as company from the Midlands, John also formed and administered the because there is always work to secretary. Mr Smith said: “In the OBannister arrived on the Isle Highlands and Islands crofters and do. Work expands to fill the time work he did as company secretary of Skye with the intention of retiring small landholders training panel and available for its completion.” he kept us on the straight and for the first time in the 1990s. helped secure funding to expand That work has been praised by narrow, the governance of the But instead, over the next ten the SCF training programme. former colleagues in the SCF like charity was always above board. years he established a successful John was also instrumental in the chairman Russell Smith who said For me as a board member and croft from nothing and helped form establishment of the Glenelg ferry his work was “the fixed point around now chairman that was incredibly the Skye and Lochalsh horticultural community company – all this while which we all circulated. useful.” development association. He he was retired. “He was also secretary of the Russell added: “We expressed served as the local grazings clerk In 2006 he was awarded an Skye and Lochalsh branch of SCU our thanks at our board and and as secretary to the Sleat MBE for his services to crofting, and SCF, and a great passion of council meeting, awarding John and Strath branch of the Scottish which was presented to him at John’s was practical, accessible an honorary life membership of Crofting Union, which became the Buckingham Palace by Prince training in crofting skills. John really the SCF and presenting him with SCF. Charles. took the training and pushed it the traditional shepherd’s cromag, In that role John designed and He chose to step down from his round the rest of the Highlands and a symbol of his stewardship role.” managed the popular SCU crofting role as SCF training manager, but it is now on a professional basis. He induction courses which have again retirement did not last long was an innovator.” We are grateful to the Press grown in demand over the years because he continued as company John Bannister proved equally and Journal for use of its report on and are now used region-wide in secretary. John said: “I never really adept when dealing with the fine John’s achievements. General Data Protection Regulation H NO, not another privacy notice. electronically or in hard copy. We have tried to served our purposes well. The preamble to that Please bear with us. If you were include every eventuality where we may have policy reads: SCF is committed to the privacy Owondering why a flurry of privacy cause to use your data. At first glance they of its members, staff, directors, volunteers and notices came your way, it’s because the may appear to be the most unlikely instances, representatives in a manner that fosters trust General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) but the more usual day-to-day use of data will and confidence. This commitment includes was introduced into UK law on 25th May, simply be for purposes of annual renewals, protecting the privacy of all the personal an evolutionary improvement of the Data training courses and so forth. information in its care. Protection Act 1998. By now, along with If you have not already received this notice Nothing in GDPR changes this fundamental members of other similar organisations, you by email, then you are urged to read the copy belief. Members and others whose data we will have received numerous and various which can be found on the SCF’s website www. care for can be assured their privacy is in safe versions of what is known as a fair processing crofting.org/join; or contact HQ for a printed hands. notice, or more simply a privacy notice. version. SCF is obliged by law to serve our version The SCF has had a privacy and data John Bannister MBE – former SCF company of the notice on all our members and others protection policy in place (under the Data secretary for whom we hold personal information, Protection Act 1998) for many years, which has ScottishTHE CROFTER, Crofter Advert_1216_Scottish AUGUST 2018 Crofter Advert_0511 16/12/2016 10:34 Page 1 27

CROFTERS INSURANCE HELPING YOU WEATHER THE ELEMENTS SINCE

Find out more by contacting your local NFU Mutual branch at nfumutual.co.uk

The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. A member of the Association of British Insurers. For security and training purposes, telephone calls may be recorded and monitored. 28 THE CROFTER, AUGUST 2018

Russell Smith presents John Bannister with honorary life membership of the SCF and a cromag with Patrick Krause on the left

Scottish Crofting Scottish Crofting Federation Federation AGM rooted in our communities HE SCF’S well-attended AGM, held How to contact us in Inverness in June, saw a change of Postal address and registered office Tcompany secretary after a decade of dedicated service from John Bannister MBE. Scottish Crofting “John has been doing a sterling job as our Federation Headquarters company secretary,” said SCF chair Russell Smith, Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8AX “and it is very sad for us, but understandable, that he wishes to retire from official duties and General enquiries concentrate on his croft business. It is a very and membership: responsible governance role and takes a great [email protected] deal of attention to detail. Tel: 01599 530 005 “We expressed our thanks at our board and council meeting, awarding John an honorary life Training: [email protected] membership of the SCF and presenting him with Tel: 01854 612 220 the traditional shepherd’s cromag, a symbol of his stewardship role.” The Crofter: [email protected] www.strathprint.co.uk Russell continued, “We also gave a warm Fiona Mandeville, editor welcome to his successor, Fiona Mandeville, whose role was ratified at the AGM. Fiona is very Fiona Mandeville Advertising: [email protected] well-known in crofting, having been one of the first Tel: 01599 530 005 SCU staff members, a board member and chair The AGM received the company accounts, showing, we are happy to say, that SCF is solvent of the SCF, and is still editor of The Crofter. Her SCF legal helpline: willingness to continue to serve the SCF is very and has a secure financial reserve. Retaining members and recruiting new members is always 01599 230 300 much appreciated.” 01471 822 555 ︱ tel: on top of the agenda. The AGM was initiated with a talk by Jim visit www.crofting.org SCF is the only organisation solely dedicated Hume, convener of the National Rural Mental for full contact details Health Forum. This is a very important subject to campaigning for crofters and we always have and the talk by Jim was well received, with a lively a great deal to do for our membership. We call on all crofters to join the collective voice for crofting. Company Number SC 218658 discussion following. Charity Number SC 031919

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information printed in this STAY UP TO DATE publication, SCF cannot accept liability for Follow us errors or omissions. The views expressed in this Have you received on Twitter publication are not necessarily those of the SCF. your SCF e-newsletter @SCFHq recently? If not, please Produce email [email protected] Produce Highlands and Islands Croft Origin with i-croft as the subject HighlandsToradh and Croitearachd Islands na h-Alba Croft Origin Às a’ chroit anns a’ Ghàidhealtachd ‘s na h-Eileanan ︱ Isle of Skye Broadford, Strath Print, by Produced