THE CROFTER rooted in our community The journal of the Scottish Crofting Foundation, the only member-led organisation dedicated to the promotion of crofting and the largest association of small-scale food producers in the UK MARCH 2009 Number 82 RSE report Carrying on against the odds his article – and indeed this issue of viable sector as it plays a very important part The Crofter – was to have been about in Scottish agriculture and makes a large on our hills Tlocal food and the opportunities for contribution in providing good quality breeding crofters, with their vast and underused land stock to the wider industry.” and islands resource, to meet the ever-increasing demand. Recent reports from the Scottish Agricultural The argument is as strong as ever, and more College and the Royal Society of Edinburgh rofters will have been very crofters will, as time goes on, go down the have highlighted the environmental, economic pleased to see the article in the road of direct marketing of their produce. and social damage being caused by loss Press and Journal on Saturday C However, the greatest concern of the of livestock from the hills and islands, and 7th February “LFA aid for those who need moment for all of us in crofting must be the this has been acknowledged by Scottish it most”, commenting on the excellent future of livestock production in Scotland’s Government ministers. What politicians say, piece of research carried out by the Royal hills and islands. Store livestock is, and will however, and what their civil servants do Society of Edinburgh (RSE) into the future continue to be, by far the largest output from are often at odds. A very senior agricultural of Scotland’s hills and islands and their crofts. Why? Because it’s what crofters were civil servant was recently heard to remark conclusion that the Less Favoured Area encouraged to do by thirty years of European that Highland agriculture didn’t really matter Support Scheme (LFASS) has been, and and UK agriculture policy and, of course, because it’s “inefficient” and grazing could continues to be, mis-directed. because crofters are very good at it. Their always be maintained by red deer! The travesty of using a wily formula to stock is of high quality, hardy and of excellent So here is a challenge for the new Minister divert less favoured area support to the health status – something well recognised in for the Environment and Crofting. The following better-off areas of Scotland has been the industry at large. In a submission to the is a list of reasons not to keep livestock. Most fought against by the Scottish Crofting Committee of Inquiry on Crofting, Scottish of these can, at the very least, be mitigated Foundation for longer than we care to NFU vice-president Stuart Wood said, “It is by Scottish Government action. If Government remember, but now we are at last starting essential that crofting remains a vibrant and recognises that there’s a case for livestock to see the possibility of justice being done. The voice of crofters was of course Continued on page 3 expected to be heard crying out against the injustice, but with the considerable weight of both the RSE and the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting adding to this, the Scottish Government surely has to listen. There are many other valid conclusions drawn by the RSE committee and the report is well worth reading. It can be obtained from the RSE by phoning 0131 240 5031

Welcome reprieve for the bull scheme, but is the Inside this issue tail wagging the bull? • LFASS he Scottish Crofting can be hired and returned, or kept for good. • Crofting heroes Foundation has welcomed the SCF has put a great deal of effort into this • Local food production Tdecision by (former) Minister for issue over a few years as we know how much Environment Michael Russell to delay changes the bull scheme means to crofters and how • Animal health to the crofting Cattle Improvement Scheme vital it is to retention of cattle on the hills and • Membership matters – the bull scheme – until a review team has islands. We are very happy to see that the • Future farmer award 2009 investigated and reported back with possible minister listened to what we have been saying, • the crofting mark alternatives this autumn. In effect this means and we appreciate too the efforts of MSPs in • branch members AGM dates that the current scheme will continue for other parties who have strongly taken this up. another year with bulls being available for hire But what is really behind all this? The attack And much more … and also for sale – ie for the same price bulls Continued on page 3 2 THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 Message from the chair... affords us a great opportunity to of the inequity of LFASS and its talent will be realised. advance the cause of crofting and importance to rural areas. The I would like to welcome its contribution to Scottish life. Bull Hire Scheme is continuing in Roseanna Cunningham MSP Marina Dennis and I, who are its present form for another year to her new role as Minister for both long-serving assessors, meet and we have the opportunity of Environment with responsibility to with the Crofters Commission in being part of the working group crofting. We would like to meet with developing the role of the assessor which will recommend how her at the very earliest opportunity in the light of the recommendation this scheme will continue. The to brief her on the multi-faceted from the Committee of Inquiry into Crofting Mark and our training work that crofting is and our Crofting. programmes all auger well for the willingness to work with her to New Year but the work I sit on the Scottish Rural future and make our membership promote a sustainable future for of the SCF carries on Development Council which is fee – which is less than we pay crofting and the environment. A relentlessly. The sheer With the heightened prices chaired by Richard Lochead, QMS for our newspapers – money well commitment, time and effort Technical Advisory Committee, spent. Could I make a plea for finishers are receiving for sheep expended by the board, staff and Scottish Sheep Strategy, local new and old members to renew and cattle, we are optimistic of area councils never ceases to LEADER Action Group, and the their membership as funding is receiving better returns for our amaze me. WIIC Joint Crofting Group. essential to maintain our work on stock and for numbers holding Although we appear to be Norman Leask, Shetland, spends your behalf. rather than declining as in punching above our weight, more time in the Parliament and I would like to thank Michael recent years, but this can only testimony to our work is in the Scottish Office fighting for crofting Russell MSP, former Environment be achieved by the realisation of amount of media coverage we causes as well as being on the Secretary for his open-door where we fit into the scheme of get, in farming and local press LANTRA board than he does at his approach and listening ear. He things. and airtime. There is rarely a home! This is but a small example has been a real friend to crofting My wishes for the spring day that we are not asked to of what we do. and will be missed by me and my season would be good calving, quote or comment on crofting But we can point to tangible colleagues. The SCF owe him a plenty lambs, good weather and or environmental issues which success stories ie Beef Calf great debt and wish him well in lots of grass! affect the crofting counties. This Scheme, a growing awareness his new post where his undoubted Neil MacLeod Culture + LFASS message being hammered environment =crofting home in the Lords and in Holyrood t will not have escaped wo separate opportuni- study undertaken by the Royal committee provided another any government watcher’s ties have arisen recently for Society of Edinburgh concluded opportunity for the SCF to attention that the Minister for the SCF to put the case for that the LFASS must change to highlight the importance of the LFA I T Crofting Michael Russell has a properly targeted LFA scheme, provide support to the truly less measure and its role underpinning moved to take up the portfolio against a background feeling that favoured areas as intended. agricultural activity. The SCF for culture. eventually the tide of opinion may We argued that addressing the submitted written evidence to The remit for crofting goes to be turning. inadequacies of LFASS would the enquiry, which is under the Roseanna Cunningham as the Answering Scottish Govern- send a very strong message to chairmanship of Lord Sewel. An new Minister for Environment. ment’s December consultation those remaining in the livestock SCF representative was invited to on the use of the LFA measure sector that the Government is se- develop this in oral evidence as a in 2010-13 and beyond, the SCF rious about supporting not just the witness to the enquiry. teamed up with the European Fo- farming/crofting communities, but Against a background of rum for Nature Conservation and the whole fabric of society, econo- England replacing the LFA Pastoralism to argue for an LFA my and environment which is de- measure with a targeted upland scheme, the aims of which are in pendent on these enterprises. agri-environment approach, accordance with those set out in In summary we argued that LFA the HoL committee was keen the regulation. The formula cur- support should help overcome to explore the rationale and rently used to calculate payments market failure in the provision of justification for LFA support as Ms Cunningham’s experience as (resulting in the better-quality land the specified public goods and well as looking at the proposed the convener of the parliament’s which is able to carry more stock should be calculated solely on new European criteria for defining rural affairs and environment getting paid more per hectare, the basis of the costs of meeting the standard area LFA. committee will undoubtedly based on what a producer used the requirements of the scheme The point was made by the stand her in good stead and Mr to do) is, we argued, contrary to in the year of participation by the SCF witness and also by the Russell’s experience in Scottish the spirit of the regulation and is particular claimant. NSA and NBA representatives culture makes him a very strong untenable. We also argued that if the lack appearing on the same panel, choice for that post. Given a finite amount of money, of a peripherality criterion within that LFA was a necessary and If one believes in serendipity, we argued that the LFA measure the new LFA rules means that the important part of maintaining in happy coincidences, then one must support systems which are extra costs it imposes on claimants agricultural activity in areas with can not help but feel optimistic sustainable and maintain the on islands cannot be met in the natural disadvantages. As to how about how this re-shuffle could countryside, so must be targeted standard scheme, there must successful it was in doing so, we work very well for crofting and at the higher nature value areas. be a specific handicap scheme had to point to the poorly-targeted Scottish rural development. Criteria used to identify LFA land targeted at them. Likewise the use of Scottish LFA money and What an alliance that could be and to calculate payments should greater flexibility in payment agree that the current use of the – two ministers with experience be defensible to public scrutiny. levels for mountainous areas scheme in Scotland was not as of rural development working We argued that this scheme means that using this definition effective as it should be. in the two areas that together presently fails on both counts. A is desirable. The UK is the only In response to the future make up the fabric of crofting: new formula that directs payment EU member state which could direction of the LFA, there was culture and environment. to actual delivery of public goods designate some areas under the real common ground between We wish both well in their is needed. Both the Committee of mountain category of LFA that the witnesses, a point hopefully new roles and look forward to Inquiry on Crofting and the Future does not do so. not lost on the gentlemen of the some real ‘joined-up’ working. of Scotland’s Hills and Islands An enquiry by a House of Lords committee. THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 3 Carrying on against the odds Continued from page 1 • Collapse of township structure, communal Policy production in the hills and islands, at least work and facilities some of these must be addressed. • Lack of young, active, local new entrants Reasons not to keep livestock (new entrant scheme ‘suspended’) updates • Single Farm Payment – you get paid • Lack of stability in store markets Electronic ID anyway, even for doing nothing • Constant attacks on crofting support Directors are continuing to have meetings • Financial losses on production schemes – eg ongoing threat to bull with MSPs, MEPs and officials to pressurise • Ever-increasing bureaucracy scheme Brussels to give derogations to Scotland • Irritating and repetitive inspections for the • Difficulty and cost of accessing SRDP to make the legislation more acceptable to most active producers measures those who have extensive farms and those • Identification rules – threat of electronic • Blatant discrimination in LFASS against who have sheep on common grazings. When tagging and/or individual movement the least favoured areas speaking with the officials our representative records • Lack of abattoir facilities over large areas discovered that EID for cattle is well • Transport rules and licenses • Perceived Government indifference underway. We require more information on • Costs – feed and medicine costs rising in So why keep livestock? this. A director has been invited to Brussels advance of inflation • There are niche markets that can give a for their sheepmeat committee where sheep • Fuel and transport – some relief but cost small but positive return EID will be top of the agenda. EU legislation trend will always be upwards and fuel • Livestock keep the croft and grazings in for ponies seems to be more acceptable. prices are still far higher in remote areas good order than in cities Blue tongue • New diseases – bluetongue – compulsory • There is hope that markets will improve Representatives continue fire-fighting on vaccination and threats of loss of SFP, Crofters carry on against the odds for a whole this legislation. At a meeting in Edinburgh on fines and even imprisonment for not variety of reasons – attachment to the land, 6th February it became obvious that there reaching 100% compliance love of the animals and a deeply-ingrained is a great urgency for local councils and • Shortage of labour for all tasks but culture. As one crofter said when asked why politicians to pull together suitable byelaws especially hill gathering he persevered with his cattle, “I can’t help it!” for the individual islands so they can attach the appropriate health schemes like those already in place in Shetland. There is a more comprehensive article on blue tongue Welcome reprieve for the bull scheme vaccination on page 8 of this issue. Continued from page 1 LFASS on the Livestock Improvement Scheme started recommended closing it (not actually what Work continues in Edinburgh, Brussels back in 2003 and led to the closing of the ram they said), it doesn’t demonstrate genetic and even as high as the House of Lords scheme. It is noticeable that the battle for the improvement (watch what happens to cattle to get a fair settlement. After several bull scheme has continued through different quality if the scheme is closed) and it isn’t cost consultations and inquiries, last week SCF governments – government parties try to effective (the wider benefits to environment, to had representation in the House of Lords close the scheme and the opposition parties communities, to economic sustainability have giving evidence on this vital support. Our oppose it, then they all change places and do not been taken into account). message was clear: “Direct LFASS support it again. So presumably this isn’t a party issue. Those who have rural proficiency such as to the truly less favoured areas”. The constant throughout is the agricultural civil the SCF, the NFUS, the RSPB, FWAGS and Stock quality scheme service, so is it coming from there? Highland and Island MSPs have all argued In 2003 it was claimed that the scheme was We are working hard to get in place that crofting livestock improvement schemes not state aid compliant. An MEP investigated for local byelaws and health schemes where are vital to the retention of livestock, to the SCF and was told by a European Commission a suitable bull and ram scheme would be welfare of crofting communities and to the (EC) official that the EC had no interest in the attached to ensure continued stock quality Scottish livestock industry. scheme until a Scottish Government official in the uplands and islands. We are trying to drew it to their attention as a problem – the EC So why do the civil servants appear to be develop cross-party consensus in Holyrood then were obliged to investigate. The scheme so determined to see them end? Is it simply to ensure that this is possible and stop the was cleared. that a faceless bureaucrat somewhere has collapse of stock numbers in the uplands In this round of the fight civil servants again decided this? Dare we ask who makes the and islands. infer that the scheme is non-compliant, illegal. decisions in the Scottish Government? The Geese And again on investigation we find that it is previous administration’s crofting legislation Geese continue to be a growing a perfectly legal scheme under de minimis came to grief because civil servants, rather menace. There is some recognition from regulations on state aid. than elected politicians, were allowed to make environmental bodies that the animals are Other doubtful claims have been made such policy. Surely the same cannot be allowed to feral in some species and that natural flocks as that the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting happen again. have changed migration patterns. SCF is working to determine local counts and behaviour with a view to extending control seasons. Some work is ongoing to develop locally significant measures in order to avoid damage. Communication remains important in seeking to deal with the truly migratory species and those flocks (mainly greylag and Canada) which have carved out niche environments for themselves. WEBSITE find us on-line at www.crofting.org 4 THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION Slow Food puts Not a nine to five job Shetland lamb hat happens when Customers can either phone up Calina has turned what used five people huddle and order direct from each – or to be a hobby producing jams on the menu Wunder the meagre all – the producers or place an for family and friends into a fast- y popular demand shelter offered by a market stall at order online. The online shop also growing enterprise run from the Slow Food East Lo- the end of a Skye summer? They offers special occasion hampers croft she shares with husband Bthian members enjoyed start hatching plans, that’s what! and tasty foody gifts. This is very Donald (who enjoys the preserves, Shetland lamb at their autumn Last year, whilst conversing much a hands-on company with all but prefers producing sheep and get-together at the famous La over a farmers market stall in of us home-based and each of us cattle). Liza and Barry, who are Potinière restaurant, Gullane. the less than tropical location of undertaking and sharing the tasks originally from South Africa but The theme of the meal was Portree square, crofter Calina involved with running a company have spent a few years getting to explore how the grazing MacDonald who produces jams, of this kind – from designing the acclimatised to our rather less environment affects the jellies and chutneys under the website to packing the orders. sunny weather on Skye, produce character of the meat with the name Calina’s Conserves, It is also very important that our home-made delights ranging Shetland lamb sourced by smallholders Keith and Rachael customers know where their from traditional oatcake wedges Shetland sheep breeder Richard Jackson who produce a wonderful products come from – all items to wedding cakes, including a Briggs from crofts on Shetland. range of traditionally-reared meat are produced and ingredients number of speciality items. Before the main course was products as Earlybird Enterprises, sourced as much as possible on Although the company has only served, Richard explained that and artisan bakers Barry and the Isle of Skye. been live for three months or so, chefs Mary Runciman and Keith Liza Hawthorn of the Isle of Skye Traditional production meth- we have successfully negotiated Marley had created a main Baking Company hatched just ods, simple, wholesome and lo- our first batch of Christmas course which would enable such a plan – and so was born cally produced are key factors in orders and are now updating and diners to taste three different The Skye Food Company. the products we offer our custom- upgrading our website to make it lambs: Shetland lamb from a Over the year we had all ers. MacLeod’s Tables wild veni- even easier for customers to find typical Shetland croft, local had enquiries about selling our son and mutton ham (traditionally out what we do and how to get lamb from East Lothian and products further afield, making made using native breed sheep, their own taste of Skye. Setting up Shetland’s most celebrated our products available to avid dry sweet cured and a wonderfully such an enterprise in the current example, Shetland seaweed customers throughout the year tasty treat), all-butter hand-made economic climate might seem a lamb, sourced from flocks which regardless of their location and, shortbread hearts and real ale bit foolhardy, but we have shown can graze on the sea shore. not least, providing ourselves (from Isle of Skye Brewery) oat- that even with little capital but a The EC has recognised the with some income throughout cakes, Talisker chocolate spread, great deal of commitment and distinctive characteristics of the quieter winter months. Rather Scottish-recipe marmalade, row- courage, it is possible. Shetland lamb by granting the than form yet another committee an jelly and rhubarb and ginger Keith was recently overheard title “Shetland Lamb” protected to further discuss the pros jam (using family recipes handed conversing about the benefits designation of origin. Other and cons of making our wares down through generations) are of being his own boss: “I don’t products whose name has been available to a wider consumer just a few of the delicious delica- work a nine to five job.” he said. similarly protected to assure base or wait for user-unfriendly cies on offer. It is food with prov- We can safely say the rest of us customers of the genuineness investment funding, we took the enance, where our customers can would indignantly exclaim, “No! of what they buy include Cornish bull by the horns and formed The enjoy the flavours that come from It’s a 6am to 2am job.” What it Clotted Cream, Jersey Royal Skye Food Company. We knew purity of product and simplicity of boils down to is that we are all Potatoes and Stilton Cheese. we all produced quality food that production. passionate about what we do As a member of Shetland complimented each other with We each still run our own – about great food crafted from Livestock Marketing Group, traditionally-produced conserves, businesses as separate entities. quality raw materials, with care Richard markets his Shetland jellies and chutneys, slow-grown Keith and Rachael have been and attention to detail. Through lamb under their “Taste Shetland” and matured Highland meat and smallholders at Orbost estate the Skye Food Company we now brand. His Shetland lamb is also hand crafted bakery delights. since 2002 and from small have the opportunity to share that one of the products certified The Skye Food Company is a beginnings have built up a herd passion with others. by the new Scottish Crofting partnership of beautiful food with of native breeds including Soay Rachael Jackson and Produce Mark. Slow Food chose three local producers working sheep, Highland cows and Iron Calina Macdonald Scottish Crofting Produce Mark together to supply the customer Age pigs whose products they sell www.theskyefoodcompany.co.uk products to represent Scotland with exceptional quality food from their on-farm licensed facility at the recent Salone del Gusto produced on the Isle of Skye. Earlybird Enterprises. international Slow Food fair in Turin, Italy. On the plate the examples of lamb were presented in three groups made up of roast and slow-cooked lamb with colcannon, seasonal vegetables and lamb sauce. It was immediately apparent that the Shetland lamb had darker meat and bone compared to that from East Lothian and the first reaction to taste was one of universal approval. There was a consensus amongst the company of twenty seven that any of the three types of lamb served alone would have provided a delicious and enjoyable course but the Continued on next page THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 5 LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION Good for you, the environment and your pocket

Ingrid Ritchie reaps the benefits of years of cuts or slab wood to create windbreaks and hard work. planted alder, willow and larch behind it. There ots of people are doing it (or at was also some regeneration of hazel, birch least trying to) but I have been doing it and eared willow. Once these trees had grown Lfor many, many years – growing my own a bit, flowering hardy shrubs were planted to vegetables, that is! make it pretty in the summer, attracting bees When we first got our croft at Achmelvich it and other insects. Birds started to nest and was fenceless, boggy, almost treeless, very became a pest when I wanted to grow soft exposed and close to the sea. I can see the fruit. They all have to be netted now, but that is Isle of Skye from my window as a grey mass all right, well worth the effort. very far away. I can produce loads of strawberries (last Richard at La Potinière First we put a fence around the house and year even before Wimbledon), black and garden plot, then we opened the main drain red currants, gooseberries, loganberries, Slow Food puts Shetland running through a flat bit of land – peaty, boggy Worcester berries, apples and sometimes and wet at the bottom of rocks, so there was plums. Not raspberries – they always seem to lamb on the menu a lot of run-off. After that lots of side drains; get a virus and I have given up on them. Continued from previous page these created squares of land to cultivate. I grow a huge variety of vegetables. Almost That really was hard work, getting through everything does well here, now the garden is combination added interest and sparked the tufted grass, cutting little turfs then lifting well sheltered. Even so, every so often a storm lively debate. At the end of the meal there them one by one by hand and turning them comes and wreaks havoc. The wind does were advocates for all three, both in terms upside down and attacking the soil with fury more damage than any frost ever does. of flavour and tenderness. Not surprisingly, to turn them into crumbs. Seaweed and shell I sell quite a lot in the summer months to Richard thought that his Shetland lamb got sand from the beach was incorporated, horse tourists, plus a few local families and the hotel the vote. muck added and potatoes and brassicas get a bag of mixed vegetables every week. When the course was served, the diners planted the first year. Even at this time of year I still have potatoes, were told what was what on the plate. Each year we attacked a piece about six swedes, parsnips, leeks, beetroot, onions, On the left – lamb from Richard’s flock metres square – five altogether. The land carrots, artichokes, cabbage and kale. Peas of ten pedigree Shetland show sheep that became well drained, pliable, fertile and very and beans in the freezer, jams, jellies and live in clover on his smallholding in East productive. We have cow, horse and chicken chutney on the shelf. Lothian. manure now and I make compost all the time Long before it became fashionable I grew In the middle – Shetland lamb from the and dig in lots of it every winter. The shell sand everything organically and it does taste in-bye from Richard’s Benston Croft in South is very good for the sour, peaty ground, instead very good. So if you have a bit of land, get Nesting. In Shetland this would be described of lime, and that gets added every few years. digging and growing – it’s good for you, the as “park fed”. When the fence was put up, we used off- environment and your pocket too! On the right – Shetland seaweed lamb from Agnes and Davy Leask’s croft at Stromness in Whiteness. The lamb was sired by a ram from Richard’s flock at Benston. Our thanks to Slow Food East Lothian for the use of this report.

Before, after (August 03) and Ingrid’s house 6 THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION

Adding to the quality of life llotments are now news. People However, a proactive council should examine are concerned about the cost of its holdings to see if it has an area which A food, health risks from herbicides can be used for allotments. The existence of and pesticides used in mass food production allotments can add greatly to the quality of and the carbon footprint generated by the life of the local population. For the plotholder, distribution systems of large supermarkets. allotment gardening provides a variety of Experiments like the Fife Diet Project, benefits. As well as the basis for a healthy focussing on locally-sourced food, are proving diet there is physical exercise, mental stress surprisingly successful. But in many areas release and inclusive social interaction. local suppliers and small shops have already Community groups such as eco-schools been driven out of business by the fortnightly and mental health organisations have been supermarket trip that has become the norm. welcomed onto many allotment sites and So people who are not prepared to cut all usually their pupils and clients love the time non-local non-seasonal food from their menu, they spend on the allotment and benefit in but would nevertheless like to take control all sorts of ways. Another myth – that the of their diet, want to grow some of their own allotment gardener is a retired male whose food. In a society where private gardens are main love in life is his prize leek – is thoroughly shrinking the answer is – get an allotment. exploded. Allotment gardeners, male and Who can have an allotment? In 2007, the female, come in a wide variety of ages, social Scottish Allotments and Gardens Society and ethnic origins. (SAGS) published the first ever audit of Writing this amidst occasional snow flurries, Scotland’s allotments: “Finding Scotland’s it is satisfying to remember that it is possible Allotments”. This showed where there are to have some salad leaves available most of allotments and also where there are none. At the year round. Leeks and parsnips can be the moment most allotments are concentrated left in the ground until required. Brassicas and in the big cities. Some local authority areas, spinach survive the worst of the weather. Our for example the Western Isles, have none. long summer days are ideally suited for soft The audit found roughly 6500 allotments and fruits. nearly 4000 people on waiting lists. 4000 may SAGS is currently asking its members be the tip of an iceberg of demand as when to record the time spent on the plot and the people are told that there is a ten year waiting varieties and quantities harvested. Preliminary list they tend to give up. results show that even in cold Scotland it It is a myth that allotment gardening is a is possible to produce large quantities of courgettes, sweetcorn and mange tout peas Availability of suitable land outdoors – and with a greenhouse or cold is a problem in rural areas as frame you can have tomatoes, aubergines, melons … well as in towns and cities. Producing one’s own food is not effortless. About 10 hours a week on the plot in summer solely urban phenomenon. Once every country seems to be ideal. But sowing, weeding, and stationmaster had a flower and vegetable harvesting are part of the pleasures. Little plot on spare land provided by the railway can beat the satisfaction of knowing that company. Farm labourers and other rural the delicious food you are eating has been workers frequently had access to land where produced by you, from a small seed that you they could grow food. Now these sources of stuck in the earth a few months ago. land have disappeared under commercial The Scottish Allotments and Gardens pressure. Society is a voluntary organisation, founded SAGS is in touch with more than 60 groups more than ninety years ago. Its aims are to in areas all over Scotland outside the big protect, preserve, promote and campaign for cities, who are trying to get land for allotments. allotments. Its management committee can However, since the recent publication by help local groups on all aspects of allotments, COSLA of guidance notes on allotments from lobbying officials, basic facilities, to for Scottish Councils, rural councils from drawing up constitutions. Increasingly, SAGS Shetland to the Borders are waking up to has become involved in making the case for their obligations and to the advantages which more allotments at national level. In the long allotment gardening can bring to individuals term, it is looking forward to the time when the and communities. demand for plots is satisfied. Availability of suitable land is a problem Jenny Mollison and Barbara De La Rue of the www.sags.org.uk in rural areas as well as in towns and cities. Scottish Allotments and Gardens Society THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 7 LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION Food processing, marketing and co-operation Mark Nicoll, Manager of Food Industry Support at the Scottish Who is eligible to submit applications? Government outlines the assistance available through the Food Individuals, partnerships, groups of producer and private or public Processing and Marketing grants in the Scottish Rural Development companies who are involved in processing food or developing co- Programme (SRDP) operation within the food chain. What is available under the programme for a crofting/farming/ What information will I require to include in an application? food business? For an application under the food processing and marketing element Adding value to food and identifying and exploiting a range of of the scheme you will be required to clearly describe that you have business and market opportunities is a critical factor in achieving a considered the full implication of the development. Confirmation will successful food business. Scottish food producers, food processors, retailers and the food service sector should also work together to also be required that you have fully costed the proposal through the identify, inform and meet market demand, drawing on business advice submission of quotes and identified achievable benefits which may and sharing resources and experience to develop ideas, control costs include confirmation of market outlets. and increase incomes. For support towards co-operation activity in the food chain you Measures under the SRDP will help meet these objectives by will be required in the first instance to set out your proposal and the providing assistance to develop facilities to process food and benefits, through a feasibility study. If the study identifies opportunities, add value to primary agricultural products. The measures will also these would be explored in a fuller application which would support encourage innovation and new product development, add value and the feasibility study and identify the resources required and confirm develop co-operation opportunities to exploit new markets. They aim costs to deliver the proposal. Funding would be available to facilitate to link producers, processors, and others in the supply chain to work or support the development of the feasibility study and delivery of the together, to shorten the food supply chain and develop their market activity. to best effect. How can I participate in this element of the Programme? Assistance will be available to: Guidance is available on the web site at: http://www.scotland. • support capital costs of businesses involved in the processing gov.uk/Publications/2008/08/05125327/0, which will provide full of primary agriculture produce to develop new, and improve information on the schemes and the application process. ERAD area existing, processing facilities offices will also be able to provide further information and advice. • support non-capital costs towards the wider development of food processing businesses such as marketing plans, market What will happen once I have submitted my proposals? research and consultancy and product development. You will be provided with clear information on the next steps and • support co-operation activity between food producers, food the timetable for consideration of your proposal. processors and third parties. Where can I go for further information and advice? Levels of assistance will vary depending on the type and size of http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Rural will provide further business applying for support. However in general terms this will may information on the development of the Scottish Rural Development range from 20-50% for investment in food processing businesses and Programme. ERAD area offices will also be able to provide further 50-100% for support towards co-operation activity. information and advice. Lochhead outlines vision for Scottish agriculture vision for Scottish agricul- economic uncertainty,” he said, “Our policy tools need to en- sell to the EU is not Scotland’s vi- ture which will see “but I believe that the Scottish sure that farmers will only get the sion as it ignores Scotland’s A direct financial support for Government’s vision for agricul- payment if they actively carry out unique circumstances. farmers continue in the years ture combined with the industry’s the practices that deliver econom- “2009 will be a pivotal year for ahead, provided they fulfil con- reputation and skills provides ic, social and environmental ben- our industry. We will be taking de- tracts with the public to deliver hope and optimism for the efits. outcomes for food and the envi- industry. “The agri-food sector is strate- cisions on how to implement the ronment, was outlined in January “Scotland has attached great gically important to Scotland and Common Agriculture Policy Health at the Oxford Farming Confer- importance to agriculture. My vi- farming continues to be a main- Check and we will be deciding on ence by Richard Lochhead, Cabi- sion for Scotland is to have agri- stay of the rural economy. the shape of our Less Favoured net Secretary for Rural Affairs. food and land-based industries “The primary purpose of Scot- Area support from 2010 onwards. Mr Lochhead claimed that which produce for the market, tish agriculture should always be “We are also reviewing the growing food is the primary pur- recognised for the economic, so- food production. Maintaining a Scotland Rural Development Pro- pose of Scottish agriculture. He cial and environmental benefits national capacity to produce food gramme to see whether it is prop- highlighted the differences be- derived from them and which are is crucial for Scotland’s future. tween the Scottish vision for agri- appropriately regulated. That requires an infrastructure erly equipped to deal with the culture and the UK’s, focusing on “What I would like to see for the and workforce with the necessary challenges of the economic down- the issues of food security and the future is, effectively, a new con- skills. Given the national impor- turn. economic, social and environ- tract between our society and tance of agriculture, public sup- “Putting together clear, suc- mental benefits of farming. farmers to deliver clear outcomes port for farming is wholly justified cessful policies for the future will Mr Lochhead also reflected on in the interests of Scotland. A con- and will be essential in the years need genuine engagement, by the need for more powers for the tract that recognises the funda- ahead especially given the unique governments and stakeholders. Scottish Parliament to help it de- mental role of farmers and land challenges faced by Scottish “Food is now higher on Scot- liver for farmers and crofters, managers in managing and utilis- farmers. claiming that too many decisions ing Scotland’s biggest asset in the “The treasury-driven DEFRA vi- land’s agenda that ever before taken in DEFRA still had an im- public interest, then addresses sion for agriculture that calls for a and our farmers are a vital re- pact on Scotland. “Farmers gather specific issues through more tar- quick end to subsidies and that source in delivering food security in Oxford against a backdrop of geted measures. UK Ministers are attempting to for future generations.” 8 THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 ANIMAL HEALTH Bluetongue – an innocent-sounding name n innocent-sounding be safe in that knowledge. So far, consultation must take place with found unvaccinated after the name, but it’s also a killer there has been a 23.4% uptake all the stakeholder groups and the deadline, producers can face a A disease that affects and officials are encouraged by majority of crofters would have penalty of a fine up to £5000 and/ animals and is fairly widespread the response. In sharp contrast, to show willingness to sign up to or six months imprisonment. throughout Europe. the uptake in England has been such a scheme. It sounds very draconian and To put it in context, the BTV8 disappointing, particularly in the Norman Leask from Shetland, I venture to suggest that only strain of this disease has been north-west. immediate past chairman of the an individual with little or no identified on 23,959 holdings in Why is it compulsory in the SCF, has for several years argued knowledge of the crofting way of France while the BTV1 strain has Western Isles while Shetland has the benefits of the Western Isles, life could have dreamt up such an a voluntary programme? been identified on 4,339 holdings. Shetland Isles and Orkney Isles absurd penalty. Try to imagine an First of all, Shetland has had a There are other strains too. France having a co-ordinated approach eighty-year-old crofter who forgets health scheme in place for many to animal health and strongly has implemented a compulsory to vaccinate his six sheep being vaccination programme to combat years funded by the Shetland Isles believes that this is the way dragged to court, threatened this. Council. It is the assurances given forward. It would certainly make with imprisonment and branded With the exception of isolated under this scheme that enabled a difference when negotiating at a criminal! The potential danger incidents in England as a result Shetland to request a derogation Government level. is that large numbers of crofters of irresponsible farmers importing allowing voluntary vaccination. All animals must be vaccinated may decide that it is no longer from France, Great Britain is by the end of April. That is the law. accepted to be disease-free. However, at a recent meeting in viable to keep stock. This would A compulsory vaccination Edinburgh, Professor Milne was most certainly, in the long-term, programme was agreed by the sympathetic to a request for more prove environmentally disastrous industry bluetongue stakeholder time in order to vaccinate young and have other consequences group and the Scottish animals in the summer. He gave a too. Government in September 2007. It strong hint that the deadline may Vaccine can only be sourced was considered the most sensible be extended till the end of June. through the vet and a declaration way to offer adequate protection If this is so, then all stockholders must be signed to provide evi- against the disease. Scotland has will be notified in due course. dence, on selling, that vaccination now become a BTV8 protection Will animals have to be has been carried out. At auction, zone. vaccinated year after year? It is the declaration must be submitted While Scotland chose this route, hoped that this may only have to to the auctioneer prior to the sale. England decided on a voluntary be done for the next two years The Scottish Crofting Founda- programme. At a recent meeting but that very much depends on tion works tirelessly on behalf of in Edinburgh, chief veterinary what is going on in England. all stockholders and holds regular officer Professor Charles Milne The Scottish Government is meetings with Government min- maintained that it would make Stamper the tup – blue tongue free subsidising the programme to the isters and officials. It is always perfect sense to have a ‘GB value of £2.6 million which will advantageous to fight from a po- zone’ where vaccination was We have five ports of entry in greatly help stockholders but it sition of strength and it is thanks also compulsory in England and the Western Isles. This would should be borne in mind that this to its supportive members that the is only for the first year. Wales. It is his view that Scotland’s have to be reduced to no more SCF can carry out its functions. What do we do now then? efforts could be undermined by than two ports under any proposed Should anyone wish further England’s decision. health scheme. It would involve We must vaccinate all animals information on bluetongue or any Why then should it be robust bio-security controls on before the 30 April deadline as other crofting matter or require compulsory in Scotland? The all animals entering the Western required, once for sheep and membership please visit the SCF logic is that by making vaccination Isles. Appropriate bye-laws would twice for cattle. I would remind all website at www.crofting.org. compulsory we will be in a much have to be introduced by CNES stockholders about the penalties better position to give BTV8 who would fund and administer for not doing so. Donnie MacDonald immunity to all of our stock and such a scheme. First of all though, On inspection, if animals are SCF Area Representative Lewis Research highlights benefits of on-farm faecal egg counting esults from new EU-funded research show that, Using the FECPAK system developed in New Zealand, participating with the right equipment and guidance, farmers can accurately farmers showed an average 35 percent reduction in treatments Rcarry out faecal egg counts, giving a better understanding of with anthelmintic wormers with no reported negative effects on the roundworm problems to target treatment when it is needed. performance of lambs. In some cases there was an increase in lamb On average the number of doses administered was reduced by 35% performance. Farmers reported the system was quick and easy to use per year, which resulted in considerable savings on sheep wormer For Northumberland sheep and beef farmer Alan Cowan, it was costs. The reduced reliance on anthelmintics should also help delay the ability to see more clearly what was going on that made the wormer resistance. difference to him. “Although saving on drench costs is a benefit, the Part of the research programme, known as PARASOL (PARAsite greatest advantage I have seen is that I now have confidence in only SOLutions), aims to test the practical applications of various targeted worming when it’s needed and I can hopefully delay the development of selective treatment initiatives. Desired outcomes are reduced reliance resistance to the levamisole and ML groups on my farm.” on wormers with resulting cost savings, reducing the threat of wormer A survey showed that 74% of farmers using the system reduced resistance and improved quality of animal products off the farm. their numbers of treatments to lambs. This was achieved by timing One part of the project run in the UK by Innovis assessed the impact treatment for when the worm burden was shown to be present rather of on farm faecal egg counting. Farms in the project were geographically than guessing or blanket treating. dispersed in the UK and included a range of farm types from hill to lowland. For more information visit www.fecpak.com THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 9 ANIMAL HEALTH Tackling liver fluke in cattle n increase in the number of Types of fluke disease and effects on host Many flukicides are not licenced for cases of liver fluke disease and liver Where large numbers of infective cysts are use where milk is to be used for human A condemnations at abattoirs have been ingested over a relatively short period, acute consumption. Refer to manufacturers’ recorded in cattle. and sub-acute disease may occasionally be withdrawal periods. Dairy cows can be treated Fluke is normally associated with regions of seen, particularly in young calves. Chronic at drying-off. It is important to monitor the need the UK which have a high annual rainfall such disease, which results from a prolonged for treatment. as western and hill areas. However, there intake of moderate numbers of cysts and the Climate have been increasing reports of outbreaks presence of adult fluke, is the more common There has been a trend over the last few of fluke disease in central and eastern form of infection in cattle and is seen in late years towards milder winters, warmer and areas. A combination of environmental and winter/early spring. wetter spring, summer and autumn seasons. management factors are thought to be Heavy infection in young susceptible cattle These weather patterns will favour fluke responsible. can cause marked damage to liver tissue, transmission by enhancing snail survival and Liver fluke requires a semi-aquatic mud development of anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia abundance and produce a longer season of snail as an intermediate host. This dependency and submandibular oedema which is similar snail activity and fluke development within the on a suitable snail for completion of the life- to that seen in sheep. In addition, there is snail. cycle means that the occurrence of fluke is often enlargement of the gallbladder and Movement of untreated cattle and sheep markedly affected by climate, particularly calcification of the bile ducts giving the surface and the presence of wildlife reservoirs (such rainfall and temperature. Liver fluke differs of the liver a ‘pipe-stem’ appearance. as deer and rabbits) may be important in from roundworms in several respects. Migration of flukes to organs other than introducing infection into new areas. On many Firstly, the complete life-cycle from an the liver is more common in cattle and flukes mixed farms and crofts, cattle are often not adult fluke in the liver shedding eggs onto can sometimes be found encapsulated in the treated for liver fluke as generally they are more tolerant of fluke than sheep, showing less clinical signs, and in endemic areas they develop a partial immunity to infection. Quarantine measures Where the farm environment provides a potential habitat for the mud snail then it is advisable to treat all introduced livestock (sheep and cattle) with a flukicide which is effective against immature and adult fluke. Farmers need to adopt an effective quarantine strategy in conjunction with a veterinarian or specialist advisor. As livestock can pass fluke eggs for about three weeks post-treatment it is advisable, where practicable, to keep treated imported animals on pastures with no snail habitats for up to for four weeks. Dr Bob Coop is the retired Head of Parasitology Division of the Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh. Moredun runs a membership scheme which aims to keep farmers, crofters and their vets up to date with the latest Healthy cows on hill grazing developments in animal health research. pasture to a new generation of mature fluke lungs. Heavy infections may cause a reduction If you would more information on fluke control in the liver takes a minimum of 18-20 weeks. in milk quality and yield, particularly in cows or are interested in becoming a member of In roundworms the life-cycle is direct and can during the winter. Where infections are lighter Moredun, please contact Margaret Bennett, be completed in as little as three to four weeks the clinical effects are minimal and often there phone 0131 445 5111 or visit their website at under optimum conditions. is no effect on productivity. Diarrhoea is not a www.moredun.org.uk Secondly, there is a multiplication phase feature of bovine fasciolosis. in the fluke life-cycle. Each egg passed in Treatment and control the dung can produce one infective stage (a The timing of treatments will depend on the miracidium) which may infect a snail. Following spectrum of activity of the flukicide. A typical multiplication in the snail around 500-600 treatment schedule in endemic fluke areas in stages (cercariae) are shed onto pasture. an average rainfall season would be: These stages encyst on vegetation as • Dose cattle in autumn with a flukicide which metacercariae and are infective for livestock for is effective against young immature fluke to several months. In contrast, with roundworms reduce liver damage from fluke migration. each egg shed in the dung has the potential This is irrespective of whether cattle will be to develop into only one infective larva and housed or out-wintered. In-wintered cattle following ingestion by the sheep this may need to be treated soon after housing; develop to one adult worm. the timing of treatment will depend on the An increase in metacercariae on pasture spectrum of activity of the flukicide. occurs during two periods. The summer • Dose grazing cattle in winter with a flukicide infection of snails leads to an accumulation which is effective against adult fluke and late of infective cysts on herbage around August immature stages. In-wintered cattle need to to October and accounts for the majority of be treated after housing (timing of the dose disease outbreaks in early/mid winter. In the varies with the flukicide used). winter infection, infective cysts appear on • Dose out-wintered cattle in spring with a pasture around May to June.These are derived flukicide which is effective against adult stages. from infected snails which have hibernated This removes fluke burdens and reduces over winter. contamination of pastures with fluke eggs. Diseased liver 10 THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 Embo Trust (Urras Euraboil) news Jim McGillivray provides an update on the in woodland skills and employ a part-time aims of the Trust in setting up tenant-only, trust’s activities woodland manager. Although we will have no-right-to-buy woodland crofts to service the Forestry Commission Scotland has approved an income from activities in the plantation we housing and economic needs of the young The Embo Trust’s application to the National will need to source grant funding for the non- generation in the area and the opportunities Forest Land Scheme for the community recurring capital expenditure. the Fourpenny crofting project will provide in purchase of the Fourpenny Plantation. The The trust has registered community interest terms of local food production, local renewable sale should be concluded within 18 months. in land at Trentham Farm, Coul Farm and 7 We are now preparing our application The Poles. This simply means that should energy projects, carbon sequestration and for Big Lottery funding under the Growing the land come onto the market for sale we, biodiversity. Communities Assets programme. The Embo Trust, would be given the first I also appraised the Minister of the trust’s We’re also developing our applications opportunity to purchase it. We know however, future ambitions should it ever be in a position for funds to the LEADER programme and to from correspondence with the owner in 2006 to take control of the neighbouring farms at SRDP. These programmes won’t fund the that he states he has no intention of selling Coul and Trentham, and the blue sky thinking purchase but they will partially fund smaller the land. The registration is therefore a long- behind the concept of “sea-crofts” being projects within the overall plan. Other funders term project and the owner is currently able created out into the Dornoch Firth (or the are being explored as well. The purchase price to appeal to the sheriff against the Scottish Embo Ocean as it will be called) to harvest is £370,000 and we estimate we will need Ministers’ decision. about £320,000 in the first five years to put I was one of several people giving the resources of this much under-utilised down the basic infrastructure for the woodland presentations to the Rural Affairs Minister environment. croft sites, replace the boundary fencing which on his visit to Sutherland on 9th February. I It is to be hoped that Mr Lochhead took on has come to the end of its life, train volunteers took the opportunity to explain the immediate board the aims and ambitions of the trust.

Fourpenny

STOP PRESS!! Two bits of good news as we go to press: The SCF has been awarded £228,803 by the Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation Grants Scheme (part of SRDP) for its three year Crofting Resources Programme, which we have outlined in previous editions of The Crofter. This programme is designed to strengthen community resilience though promoting crofting resources such as healthy, ethical food and collaborative working. More information about this grant scheme appears in this edition. Ali Bain, celebrated Shetland fiddler and champion of Scottish culture, has agreed to be our patron. Many thanks Ali – and welcome THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 11 Wisdom beyond education Notes from a talk delivered by education is the best in the Norman Leask at the launch of the world and that the Highland and schools’ crofting course, Grimsay, Islands have the best education North Uist in Scotland. So work hard and t has been said that: fulfil your potential in education “Crofting is a piece of poor land so your life can be easy with a Isurrounded by legislation.” This well paid job; then you can turn to I believe to be nonsense. crofting. Crofting is a piece of paradise I have personally seen crofting, surrounded by views, flowers, its community and traditions in animals, birds and aquatic life action on these islands. About that people would die for. And did. 6pm one night I phoned someone This is so important, but without who I was told knew about the people in the Highlands and traditions of the islands. A very Islands to maintain this utopia disappointed voice said they were Scotland will be much the poorer really sorry but due to a very early and less attractive. start the next morning as they It is also said: “Crofting were off on holiday and the cases legislation causes problems.” This had to be packed, we could call Norman Leask, Neil MacPherson and Michael Russel MSP at the launch of the too is incorrect. for 10 minutes and maybe have a crofting course Just take a drive from Carlisle cup of tea. to Hawick up the A7 and you will Over four hours later after realise the importance of crofting stories comparing our traditions, legislation. The rural Scottish some beautiful Gaelic singing borders are almost devoid of and hearing my favourite tune, habitation because there is no crofting there. ‘The Dark Island’ – and of course The SCF, the Crofters Com- enjoying a little dram – supper mission and our Government was prepared and we went home are working hard for much better leaving these lovely people to and more appropriate legislation do their packing and catch their for the 21st century that will give transport with virtually no sleep. crofting its place leading repopu- And I regularly have the hospitality lation of the rural areas. of another family where deep and Wisdom beyond education meaningful discussions on the does not mean that I am critical similarities and differences to of education within the Highlands problems in our various islands and Islands. I believe Scottish are compared. Drew Ratter (right) and Aberdeen Angus bull Assessors – Crofters Commission chair Drew Ratter reports t is a while now since the presentations – including a This is an issue also considered all assessors, in all four crofting annual Crofters Commission thought-provoking contribution in joint meetings between the areas, with an appropriate pack IAssessors seminar took place by Colin Roxburgh on community Crofters Commission and the to keep, with all the issues on 18th November, at the Thistle engagement, as experienced SCF. Last year a joint working which are at the forefront of Hotel in Inverness. From my own within Loch Lomond and the Commission activity covered. point of view it was gratifying to Trossachs National Park area – Two particular With the new high stress on see so many assessors there. and smaller group discussions. effective regulation now top of We had a turnout of 85%, which Unsurprisingly, diverse views issues have been the agenda, it is essential that must be good for any body, were expressed, reflecting the agreed as being of assessors are helped to play into particularly one so far flung as different experiences of crofting in high importance: the business of the organisation our crofting assessors from Unst different areas. as well as possible. to Campbeltown. In response to feedback from training and As far as information is We at the Crofters Commission assessors, the programme was information flow. concerned, the main tool at our very much value our assessors. altered to provide an opportunity disposal is the web site. A very They are a representative, expert, to hear a presentation on the group was established, to promote high proportion of assessors have volunteer network embedded in decline in hill stock numbers, improved dialogue on assessors. access to email and internet, the community, with skills and by Davie MacLeod and Sarah Several meetings later, this and the Commission hopes to expertise. At very low cost, they Allen, followed by a question seems to be working well. More offer training in the use of these add very substantially to the work and answer session. This was meetings are planned and, taken media, where necessary, so that of the Crofters Commission. I greatly appreciated, and certainly together with feedback from the all the information which is so can’t think of another public body assisted assessor response to the assessor seminar; there can be important to good regulation can who could muster their equivalent Scottish Government consultation no doubt that assessors welcome flow in both directions. for their own area, nor can I think on LFASS the following month. the opportunity to engage with As I said at the beginning, of a public body which would not The latter part of the afternoon commissioners and staff. the Crofters Commission values give their eye teeth for such an was set aside for facilitated Two particular issues have its assessors. They are a very equivalent. discussion between assessors, been agreed as being of important part of our information For that reason, we are now both in their own areas groups, high importance: training and gathering process. I hope we working hard, in partnership with and across areas. This allowed information flow. A proposed are putting our money where SCF, to improve assessors’ skills, all of them a chance for local way forward on both has just this our mouth is in showing that we and help them in the job they do. discussions with area staff and month been agreed by the board value them and I look forward, I will return to that later. commissioners, looking at how of commissioners. over the coming year, to taking In November, the programme the role of the assessor could be The Commission hopes over a continuing look at developing for the day was made up of supported and developed. the coming year to offer training to that network. 12 THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009

rooted in our community Our mission is to safeguard and promote the rights, livelihoods and culture of crofters and their communities

a range of homes combining m rural tradition, modern living and the latest technology to set a new standard in kit house design u a l c h a s . c o d w. w w

design e xcellence for rural scotland T: 01471 820410 I: www.hebrideanhomes.com T: 01471 833300 F: 01471 833322 MODERN HOMES FOR RURAL LIVING E: i [email protected] THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 13 Towards a Foundation for Common Land in Britain and Ireland that will only happen if we take responsibility opportunities. Water catchment management, new organisation is being formed to bring it about. carbon storage and cultural landscape for the protection and promotion of “Though there are some long-established protection will become important. Whilst A common land in England, Wales, bodies in Scotland, Dartmoor and the New these issues are not unique to commons, Scotland and Ireland (north and south). Forest, the clearest change in recent times has their application to commons will need to be The SCF is joining the Foundation for been the establishment of many more regional uniquely considered and practised. Common Land in Britain and Ireland (FCLBI) groupings of commoners. Alongside these, “What this presents is the need for a range – as crofters are, of course, big users of federated groups established themselves in of skills, understanding and evidence that common land and this vast asset is often Wales, Yorkshire and Cumbria. These are can only come from collaborative working. overlooked or misunderstood. strongly embedded in the custom and culture Commoners who are at the point of delivery It’s early days yet, but given the similar of their areas, which are immensely diverse. have a critical contribution to make. Their problems we and our friends in England, However many decisions are taken at a higher skills, experience and local knowledge are not Wales and Ireland face and since the main level or would benefit from co-operation at the within the grasp of other partners – and the voice for the UK in the EU, whether we like it UK or international level. converse is equally true. or not, is DEFRA’s, we feel that it is important “English regional bodies have no way of co- “So, for the observatory, what is being for SCF to be active in the foundation from operating to respond to DEFRA on national proposed is a means of building a community the word go, ensuring that the Scottish issues. Scottish crofters do have a body which of commoners where now a spread of angle is not lost and the significance of represents them at all levels, but there is no disconnected groups exists. Commoners Scottish common grazings on the UK scale forum where they can unite with commoners is recognised. would be able to communicate with each down south on common issues. Commoners other, with the public and trans-nationally, and Very well done to the organisers for setting in the UK share many problems with the users it up and all strength to your arm! not just with the EU institutions. Commoners of commonage in Ireland, who lack even a exist in most EU states, but almost all of them single voice within their own country. The following is an extract from an address think they are alone, facing unique problems “This is where the foundation fits. It does by Andrew Humphries, former president of at the margin of national policy. not seek to duplicate the work of these various Cumbria rural community council and director “Over at least two years, alongside informal groups, but rather be the missing piece in the of Newton Rigg Hill Farm in the Lake District, collaboration between some of the regional jig saw which both fills a gap and gives more which has common rights. Andrew was commoners groups, there have been a number meaning to the other pieces. speaking at the meeting in December which of presentations to meetings that indicated a made the decision to form the foundation. real interest on the part of commoners. A start “I should say right at the start that my has been made on an observatory website experience is primarily with common land and a booklet identifying the general aims of under the English legal framework. A major the foundation was distributed. In August 2007 challenge will be to look beyond the local and a small steering group was asked to take the see patterns at a national or even wider scale. process forward. Commoners in England and Wales are those “We have prepared a prospectus and with pasturing and similar rights on commons, taken legal advice. A draft memorandum but when I use it here I intend it to include of agreement and articles and a draft those with similar rights on common land in development plan for wider discussion have Scotland and Ireland. been prepared. Natural England have agreed “A first consideration is to acknowledge to support the establishment of the foundation that pastoral commons are a complex mix and a project officer has been identified to give of resilience and vulnerability. Critically their 25 days’ input to the end of March 2009. future depends on the choices made by society “The future for our pastoral commons and those made by commoners. That is not an A gather in the New Forest cannot be ‘a borrowed idea’. It must come either or option; both are essential. “Commons are complex both legally and in from within the community of common interest “For commoners the key challenge is to look practice. Informed, sound decisions depend and focus on diverse and well-understood at ourselves and ask the question ‘what can we on understanding which needs to be informed pastoral practice and its relationship with all of do?’ We need an active not a passive response. by evidence. Hence the central concept of an the outputs appropriate to the contemporary In recent times the balance between passive observatory for common land at the heart of needs of common land and commoners in our and active has been inadequate – we have the foundation is critical. time. been ‘done to’ whereas our custom historically “Consider all of the values of common land – “Our strength has been in building from was ‘to do’. External agencies will inevitably they include food production, the conservation the grassroots – recognising the importance continue to be a strong, and in many cases of systems of husbandry, local communities, of local diversity. We need to hold on to that, necessary, influence but will function more types of livestock, cultural landscapes and but to bring interests together for the common effectively in partnership with practitioners to archaeological remains, management of high good.” the mutual benefit of all interests. However nature value land and the provision of access Andrew Humphries

Borrodale, Lake District 14 THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 White-tailed sea eagle – tourist attraction or unacceptable predator? NH in 2002 commissioned a report on peninsula have suffered unprecedented they were so destructive to sheep. If people are the effect sea eagles had on Mull where losses, with over two hundred lambs lost to the trying to make a living in the west Highlands Sthere were also reports of lamb losses. sea eagle from May to September 2008. Over it is very bad luck to have these thrust upon One of the recommendations in the report was the last few years farmers and crofters have them.” that all reintroductions should involve wide witnessed the destruction of their sheep flocks, Farmers and crofters for generations have consultation among potential stakeholders. with a 54% reduction in the lambs taken to the been custodians of the land and have done However, consultation was never carried out sales. Lambs have been found with puncture a good job, making the most of the harsh in Wester Ross. holes on their bodies, gasping their last breath environment. We know our hills and we have Farmers and crofters in Wester Ross have after being dropped from the sky. seen the changes. We know our sheep, and it been losing lambs steadily since these birds SNH and RSPB claim that the white-tailed is very distressing to see the possible end of were released. Four holdings on the Gairloch sea eagle will only take weak or unviable this way of life and Highland culture. lambs, but there is evidence that they do kill After a public meeting in Poolewe hall at strong lambs. Witnesses have seen them the end of September SNH agreed to fund attacking ewes and even hinds and deer an independent enquiry. They will work along calves. with local crofters and representatives of SNH, The habitat these birds left 100 years ago SCF, RSPB and SGRPID. A meeting was held when they where made extinct would have at the end of November to find a way forward. been very different from today, indeed you There will be another meeting in February to only have to go back thirty years to see the finalise the timing of the study, hopefully at changes. Sea birds and ground nesting birds the end of May. There will be two holdings are dropping in numbers, rabbits are scarce involved, one in the Gairloch area and one in and hares have never been seen for many a Skye; this is yet to be decided. year, but he sea eagle cannot be blamed for The Scottish Government has undertaken the loss of all these creatures as they were in to protect crofting in fragile areas. However, demise before their arrival. If there had been along with electronic tagging, the end of the some consultation, many of these concerns bull hire scheme, blue tongue and the modern could have been raised. I do feel that if there trend for house farming, this is yet another nail were plenty of birds, fish, rabbits and hares in the coffin of farming and crofting in these then probably our lambs would stand a better remote areas. There has been a mass exodus chance of being left alone – or would they? of sheep in the north of Scotland. This problem Lord Burton in 1984 expressed his concerns has to be sorted out and taken seriously or it at encouraging the birds’ return saying in The will only add to the acceleration of the exodus Times: “As I understand it, the reason these of sheep.

Photo: David Whitaker from Skye Birds by R L MacMillan Photo: David Whitaker from Skye Birds by R L birds became extinct in Scotland was because Willie Fraser Evidence before compensation n a beautiful May afternoon in hill doing the community lambing. She came rest of the family were attending the crop. A sea 1908 my father, aged seven, and his to the rescue throwing her naturally coloured eagle swooped down and snatched the child Osister Maggie were sent over the hill to Shetland hap over Maggie’s head and staying by the shawl and carried it to its eyrie in the the local mill with the last of the bere and oats with them until the nasty bird went on to look sea cliffs. Once more the community gathered to be ground for flour. for another easy prey. together sending a roped youngster down the Subsistence living meant that schooling for The red scarf was thrown, the children went cliff where the child was found unharmed. The older children in the family was an optional on to complete their task, the old neighbour lass was lucky as the chicks were obviously extra reserved for days when nothing else went home and summoned a posse, knowing not hungry. The young man went to sea and of importance was happening on the croft, to where the bird’s nest was. The best shot after many trips around the world came home secure the survival of the whole family. in the community was sent out first and he and again rescued the now young woman by They were dressed for the occasion with successfully shot the offending hen when she suitable clothing, equipment and food (a returned to feed her hungry chicks. The most marrying her and having a large family and beremeal bannock each) for the round trip. agile youngster was roped and sent down the there are many people believing they are Aunty Maggie had a beautiful red and maroon cliff to destroy the chicks in the nest. descendants of this miracle union thus proving scarf she had knitted for herself and my dad The old male hung around Shetland for that the sea eagle is not all bad. took his favourite piece of driftwood as a staff. a year or two but eventually it too died, Although there is as yet no evidence, I When they were deep into their journey, (in thus ending the scourge of the sea eagle in suggest crofters should refrain from using Shetland you can never be far from the sea) Shetland. red or orange paint on their stock, if there is they noticed a large bird following them. I would never encourage anyone to break any possibility of attack from sea eagles, as Requiring a rest and some sustenance they the law, but it is a great concern to me that this may indicate to this natural predator a sat down on a rock where suddenly this evil these beautiful but deadly birds are being weakness they can exploit. If we do all we bird swooped down just missing them. My introduced to Scotland again. My father, who can as crofters, we must insist on whoever dad being the man (aged seven) held up his laughed when telling about being torpedoed authorised the realignment of the balance of staff protecting his sister, screaming in the twice and having an oil tanker go on fire under nature to compensate us for any damage. forlorn hope of attracting help. They believed him, had a terror in his eyes which I never saw Please let me know of any experiences you to their dying day that the red scarf made this at any other time in his life except when telling have had through unexplained losses and aggressive bird think it had found an injured about their attack by this fearsome predator. damage and what you believe the problem is. prey which it could easily take back to its There is also the story of the little girl lying However before compensation can be sought chicks. asleep wrapped up in a Shetland hap (shawl The screams of the children was heard by an – a very important item of attire for both young tangible evidence must be presented. elderly neighbour who happened to be in the and old) at the side of the tattie rig, while the Norman Leask

find us on-line at www.crofting.org THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 15 First of its kind Livestock burial Highland farming rules hit both conference a success ETAID’s Family Farming discussed some of the wider in east Africa conference, issues affecting east African crofters and birds Vheld in Dingwall late last farmers. She considered the he EU Animal By- BirdLife believes it is appropriate year, gathered members of the impact of bio fuels, trade tariffs products Regulation to update the rules for handling agricultural sector and overseas and climate change upon their T((EC)1774/2002) is currently animal by-products not suitable development experts to discuss way of life. being revised, with discussions for human consumption in order and debate some of the most VETAID’s John Ferguson ongoing in both the European to allow dead livestock to be pressing issues facing the world’s commented “The conference was Parliament and Council. removed to recognised locations poorest small-scale farmers. an opportunity to reach people in The strict EU rules on carcass or, as was previously the case, Neil Fisher, former Food the north of Scotland where there disposal were enacted as a result left in the wild where they are Security Advisor for development are a lot of smaller farms. I felt of BSE. However, the number of immediately consumed by carrion organisation Action Against we brought something new to the cases has declined since 2005 feeders. On this at least, crofters Hunger, introduced the group area. after feed rules were tightened can surely agree wholehearedly to the countries of east Africa “It’s important that we can bring up. Sheep and goats don’t suffer with them. and the types of farming that information about people living in from BSE. All reported cases of The BirdLife proposals to people are engaged in there. The other parts of the world to people related Transmissible Spongiform modify Article 27 derogations majority of people living in these across Scotland, not just to those Encephalopathy (TSE) in these regarding the collection and use areas are subsistence farmers, living in the cities. So, holding the animals are scrapie, a disease of animal by-products would allow growing enough crops and rearing conference in a rural area has not known to transmit to humans. member states to implement, livestock for their own needs. been important in order to reach This regulation dramatically where appropriate, a combination changed livestock management of measures. and banned both: First, member states should 1. the abandonment of dead be allowed to establish feeding animals in fields, and places, such as those for red 2. their removal to specific kites in Easter Ross, without designated locations, or unnecessary restrictions (for ‘dumps’. example, on a farm by farm basis), In Scotland, remote areas were taking into account all threatened granted a derogation allowing on- carrion-feeding species. But farm burial or burning of certain although important, it is crucial types of carcasses, but crofters not to rely too much on feeding who knowingly leave carcasses stations. Some of these locations unburied are still in breach of the already attract thousands of law. hungry birds, and there are This regulation is not only costly inherent risks in relying on them and impractical for producers in too heavily, eg vulnerability to marginal areas, but has had severe poisoning. and long term consequences for Second, there need to be populations of birds that feed on further measures in areas like carrion, such as vultures, kites the UK uplands where extensive and eagles. It also hits the many sheep (or goat) farming is types of invertebrates which on widespread. Despite 1.5 million which decomposition, and thus a small ruminants being tested for healthy environment, depends. BSE between 2000-2006, only The situation is particularly one French goat has exhibited Maasai cows serious in Spain and Portugal, BSE. Yet the carcasses of goats The various crops grown our target audience. It’s clear which host more than 50% of the and sheep have still had to be by families in east Africa were from the enthusiasm of those who European population of carrion- cleared away. considered, plus the pros and attended that there is an interest feeding birds.The plight of groups BirdLife say that this is a cons of some of these crops. For in the issues affecting poorer countries in Africa and across the of starving vultures has been disproportionate regime. Instead example, ugali (which is made widely reported in the media special activity zones for carrion- world.” from ground maize) is a staple for there. feeding birds should be defined. In VETAID is a registered charity many families in the region. But But it’s also a concern in the these there would be exceptions to working for reduction in poverty maize is not an indigenous crop UK, where there are of course the compulsory removal (or in the and increase in food security for and, in fact, traditional vegetables significant populations of golden case of remote Scotland, burial) of people in Kenya, Somalia and are more nutritious. eagles, red kites and recently- livestock carcasses in areas under Tanzania who are dependent on reintroduced white-tailed eagles, extensive management that do Many comparisons between livestock for survival. all protected under the EU Wild not involve specified risk material. farming in east Africa and in the The conference is part of Birds Directive. And of course, for In these zones, sheep and goat UK were made. For example, VETAID’s Herds and Clans white-tailed eagles in particular, carcasses could be disposed of average cereal yields in the east project, which aims to increase lack of dead food must make the naturally. Such exemptions should African region are around 1.5 awareness of farming in east Africa taking of live prey, like lambs, also extend to extensively-reared tonnes per hectare while in the among the Scottish agricultural more attractive. cattle younger than 24 months UK, each hectare produces an community. The project is part The pressure group BirdLife (free from specified risk material). average of 7 tonnes of cereal. of a Europe-wide initiative, run International is asking for a Further information on this Many of the attendees had in partnership with Vétérinaires modification of Article 27 of this campaign is available from lived in east Africa in the past and sans Frontières (VSF) in France, regulation to allow easier access [email protected] were interested in learning about Italy and Belgium. for these species to their natural 07771 74 3346 farming developments in the For more information, please food, while maintaining strict EU Our thanks to Gwyn Jones region during that time. visit: www.vetaid.org/sustainable- biosecurity rules. for this report Oxfam’s Eilidh Whiteford farming.asp. 16 THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION The buzzing of the bees e give the bees their Christmas been lifted as officially the whole of the British the end of the season which can be absolutely present ideally on the first calm and Isles is now considered contaminated with fantastic forage and produces the wonderful Wsunny day of the year; a slab of varroa. Tests run by the Skye and Lochalsh rich-tasting honey for which Scotland is confectioner’s fondant placed on top of the Beekeepers last year, however, suggest that famous. brood box. Skye is still varroa free and we are all extremely So, even though the amount of honey at Unfortunately, on Skye where we live, it is keen to keep it that way. This means it is vital the end of the season and the difficulties of seldom sunny or calm in January. This year for bee keepers locally to breed new colonies keeping bees on the west coast would perhaps we battled in one of the many early January to restock hives and to supply the growing not make a viable business by itself, there gales to remove the various shelters we have number of new beekeepers and thereby is still an incredible value to keeping bees, built around our beehives to protect them from reduce the likelihood that infected stocks are whether as pollinators, to help supplement the winter winds – and more importantly rain imported. other incomes, or for the simple pleasure of (bees hate the wet) – and hastily inserted the Despite all the publicised difficulties, bee hearing the buzzing of the bees. sugar before the bees succumbed to the wet keeping – certainly locally – does seem to be Jenny Hey and cold. becoming increasingly popular. Personally It is not easy keeping bees this far north I am not surprised, as bees are absolutely and in such a wet climate. It is marginal at the fascinating creatures for which there should best of times – but it is possible. We took over be a place on any croft. They can be as little 20lbs of honey off one of our hives this year or as much work as you wish. Some folk keep and many folk locally took a lot more. But the bees simply as pollinators, never managing amount is risible when it is compared to the them for honey and simply leaving them to 90lbs or more it is possible to take off a hive breed and naturally re-queen. Others, like further south and still leave sufficient stores for ourselves, are more proactive and during the the bees for winter. Here, however it is essential season (May to September) go through the to feed bees through the winter whether one hives every 10 days or so to check things are takes honey off or not, for colonies regularly progressing as we would like. die out – not due to the causes currently being Even though a lot of crofts these days are reported in the national press: varroa mite, essentially used for grazing they would still be colony collapse syndrome, pesticides – but able to provide the forage (flowers) that bees simply due to starvation. need to gather both the pollen and nectar Skye thankfully remains one of the few required to survive. Hazel and the hated whin varroa-free areas left in Britain, for in such a are invaluable sources of early pollen for the marginal area for bee keeping varroa could young brood in the spring. Spring flowers such For further information on keeping bees in well spell its end. When we moved to Skye as bluebells and primrose are good sources Skye and Lochalsh please contact Mark there was still a ban on importing bees to the of nectar, as are meadowsweet and brambles Purrett, secretary to Skye and Lochalsh Bee island. Unfortunately this restriction has since later in the year. Then there is the heather at Keepers Association: 01471 866207

Crofting Mark The Crofting Mark in use, promoting products by Kathy Coull he wool used was home grown on Centre for Creative Industries in Sellafirth. The Kathy’s croft in Fair Isle. The yarns are knitting was, of course, done on Fair Isle. Thand-spun in Fair Isle, and mill-spun at The produce, therefore, covers a large part the Mini-Mill in North Ronaldsay. The weaving of the Northern Isles! was done by Kathy, with the assistance of the www.KathyCoull.com

Às a’ chroit anns a’ Ghàidhealtachd ‘s na h-Eileanan THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 17 LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION Farmers’ rights – what’s in it for crofters? rofting agriculture was for low input cropping. (Examples and is something very all taken from the website www. Cspecial, in conserving http://www.farmersrights.org). bere, small oat, Shetland oat, In the UK implementation is Murkle oat, local rye, Shetland in process. Because the treaty cabbage and local potatoes such text is difficult, combined with as Shetland Blue ringed, Shetland the rarity of local varieties, the Black, Lewis Black, Foula Red Scottish small oat and bere and other local varieties. maintained by crofters can be Many of these have useful easily overlooked. Authorities traits for breeders – hence the involved may also not yet have term ‘plant genetic resource’. thought of realising farmers’ rights Small oat has been used in associated with local varieties and disease resistance trials for its their maintainers – in Scotland, big cousin, the mainland oats. mainly crofters. Shetland cabbage has been used Realising farmers’ rights as a source of clubroot resistance could have several benefits. breeding. Western Isles local biodiversity Threatened worldwide, since action plan’s proposal (2004) to early last century, international include seed production of local organisations have collected varieties into agro-environmental seed of local varieties and their schemes has not been followed wild relatives for genebank up. The work and expertise of conservation. Recently the local seed growers deserves emphasis has shifted towards acknowledgment and support. conservation on location.This is a By supplying seed to others they dynamic form of conservation that provide a community service and keeps evolution going and allows Shetland cabbage seed plant A pure stand of Uist Rye – by maintaining a variety of local further adaptation to climate and seed stocks and guaranteeing habitat. As a consequence, the the survival of local varieties – role of farmers who maintain also a public service, ie in situ these useful plants has become conservation. more highlighted. Support for marketing and Legislation to promote development could be another conservation of plant diversity, action point. including agricultural plants, Raising the profile of local has been developed with the Convention on Biological Diversity varieties may help to balance the (1992) and more recently the SRDP’s treatment of plant genetic International Treaty on Plant resources in which native willow Genetic Resources for Food and seeds are now treated as plant Agriculture that came into action genetic resources and collecting in 2004, which the UK ratified in native seeds accredited, but no mention of, let alone accrediting, 2006 and is now in the process of Safeguarding the survival of local varieties implementing. other plant genetic resources such as local crop varieties which So what’s in it for crofters? contribute significantly to wildlife. The international treaty aims at Further information: conserving a large number of useful • Convention on Biological plants for food and agriculture by Diversity (CBD (1992): commits genebank conservation, but also national governments to inventory, by supporting local management monitor and conserve biodiversity, and conserving traditional including agricultural biodiversity, knowledge associated with the both in genebanks and on location local resources. It also proposes http://www.cbd.int/convention/ benefit sharing between local communities who maintain the convention.shtml resources and end-users of • International Treaty on Plant the plants (for example plant Genetic Resources for Food and breeders). Finally, it formulates Agriculture (ITPGRFA) http:// farmers’ rights. www.planttreaty.org/ Stewardship of plant genetic resources Photos: Maria Scholten Farmers’ rights are basically • Scottish local varieties and their about enabling farmers to genebank conservation: http:// continue their work as stewards ise farmers’ rights: rediscover- cessfully reintroduced traditional www.scottishlandraces.org.uk/ and innovators of agricultural ing and documenting traditional varieties and adapted them to biodiversity, and about recognizing knowledge (Norway), organising farmer’s needs and to the local Maria Scholten is an independ- and rewarding them for their community gene banks (India), environments. This is a combina- ent research professional, cur- contribution to the global pool of adding value to local varieties tion of conservation and develop- rently working on small oat and genetic resources. (Nepal), capacity building in seed ment, ie improving local varieties Shetland cabbage at SAC Edin- Farmers’ organisations have potato selection (Kenya). In for yield or disease resistance. In burgh. This article represents her successfully seized the oppor- France farmers’ organisations, in the French case organic breed- personal opinion. tunity this treaty opens to real- collaboration with scientists, suc- ing principles were used, suitable Maria Scholten 18 THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 Members Future Farmer Award 2009 ach year the Future Farmer Award resilient to wet summers discount supports a farmer or crofter who is • developing new ideas for productive and Emanaging land in ways which promote sustainable management of hill ground sustainability and who would like to share • running farm machinery on ideas with others. The 2009 Future Farmer farm-produced bio-fuel scheme Award is now open for entries, with a closing These suppliers offer a discount date of 13 April. • creating the right conditions for to SCF members. Please contact The winning Scottish farmer/crofter will be commercially useful ‘wild’ plants individual suppliers for further details. awarded £4,000 and a package of practical to grow Other ideas are welcome and anyone who Agricultural Supplies and support to help communicate ideas to other is responsible for managing productive land in Machinery land managers. The cash can be used either Scotland is eligible, whether he or she is an Hamilton Brothers Groundcare to fund a specific project or simply to allow the owner, tenant, crofter or employee. In 2009 and Agricultural Equipment winner take time away from the farm or croft the organisers are particularly interested in Bishopton 07771 577889 work to speak at events or host farm/croft walks. ideas which combine environmental sustain- Linklater Engineering The award was set up to encourage ability with economic advantage. Stenness, Orkney creative thinking and positive Land managers can apply on 01856 851 000 action on sustainability in Scottish Scottish their own behalf by submitting a agriculture. It aims to help few paragraphs about why they Foyers Services Ltd, Foyers farmers/crofters learn from each farmers would like to enter the award via 01456 486333 other about practical ways of urged to the website at www.futurefarmer. Animal Health, Dingwall making land management more org.uk. Alternatively, anyone can 01349 865425 sustainable – things which can be submit nominate a farmer or crofter who seen working on the ground on ideas for they think should be considered CSC Crop Production Ltd Scottish farms and crofts. sustainability for the award. Culbokie, Dingwall Award organisers are looking for The Future Farmer Award is 01349 877557 ideas which promote sustainability award an initiative of the Murray Trust Dean K Gilfillan and which could be taken up by and is financially supported by Weasdale, Shetland other land managers. The ideas do not have to Scottish Natural Heritage. The presentation 01595 830248 be unique but the winner will be someone who of the award is sponsored by Savills and will is doing something practical on the ground and take place at the Royal Highland Show in June Horner Shearing Equipment who is prepared commit time over the year to 2009. Bolton by Bowland, near Clitheroe sharing his or her knowledge and experience. Full details about the award are at www. 01200 441284 The award is able to support a wide range of futurefarmer.org.uk along with information initiatives, for example: about last year’s winner, Whitmuir Farm, Building Supplies including photos and a video clip. Whitmuir Highland Services Building Supplies • managing soils to reduce flooding risk Farm will conclude its year as Future Farmer Tobermory, Isle of Mull • cutting CO2 emissions on-farm and in Award winner by hosting an open day in May. 01688 302296 supply chains For further information contact: Anna • integrating native woodland Wood-bees Hardware Ashmole, Food and Farming Consultant management with grazing livestock Thurso T: 01899 830 536 E: [email protected] 01847 894333 • choosing crops varieties which are www.futurefarmer.org.uk Highland Industrial Supplies Inverness 01463239160 Fort William 01397 705159 Making a will – why it’s important Elgin 01343 547561 hinking about making a will may a person of your choice and the best way to Orkney 01856 874325 seem daunting; as a crofter you will ensure that your wishes are carried out is to almost certainly have a dozen or more make a valid will. Beaver Timber, Sheds, Garages T things to do at any given time and making a It also makes sound financial sense to make Oban will may not be high on the list of priorities. It a will, as failure to do so means your family 01631 720353 may also seem a bit morbid. may end up paying more inheritance tax than Pumps, Tanks, Filters etc However making a will is simple and is an necessary – this is currently charged at 40% Filpumps important way to protect the future of your – so rather than your estate going to who you Inverurie, Aberdeenshire loved ones. It’s the only way to be absolutely want it to it could go to the state. This is a 01467 623010 certain that your belongings, your estate, goes complex subject that your solicitor will be able to the people and causes you want them to to advise you on. Trees and it allows you to decide how your estate is You may consider leaving a gift, a legacy Taynuilt Trees, Taynuilt shared out. to charity. A common misconception is that a 01866 822591 If you die without a will (intestate) there legacy is an enormous sum of money, but this are certain rules which dictate how your is not the case. Any gift left in a will, no matter Bulbs etc possessions will be allocated and this may how large or how small, is an important legacy Evelix Daffodils, Dornoch not be the way that you would have wished. to the charities you support. 01862 810715 For example when two or more people are Please consider leaving a gift in your will Office Supplies and Stationary entitled to a share in the estate, the executor to the Scottish Crofting Foundation and help Point 1 Technologies, Stornoway, must decide which one of them should obtain support crofting for future generations. Isle of Lewis the croft tenancy. If the value of the tenancy If you would like further advice about 01851 703244 is worth more than the individual’s share of succession of croft tenancies, the Crofters the estate he or she would be required to Commission produce a helpful booklet. Phone Furniture, Carpets and Flooring pay the difference to the executor so that it 01463 663450 to obtain a copy. If you want Harris Home Furnishings can be dispensed among the beneficiaries. further advice on making a will, your solicitor Edinbane Isle of Skye Alternatively, an executor may decide to realise or the Citizens’ Advice Bureaux will be able to 01470 582 255 the value of the croft tenancy and divide this help, or you can find a lot of useful information among the beneficiaries. As a crofter you are on the internet – and you can actually make entitled to leave the tenancy of your croft to your will on-line. THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 19 Community energy powering ahead wenty five new Carola Bell of UOG responded: Becky Shaw community jobs have “This award gives our community Becky Shaw, probably one Tbeen created across the opportunity to make energy of the best known faces in Scotland from Shetland to the use more efficient. There will Scottish rural development borders, thanks to funding of over be many benefits in sharing and crofting, has left the £1,494,000 from the Scottish knowledge and experience with SCF to work as a freelance Government’s Climate Challenge the other groups involved and the consultant. Fund, the largest award to date. support will create a full-time local Originally trained as a Community Powerdown is post. The trust aims to increase lawyer in Edinburgh and with a masters in sustainable rural a consortium of 27 community understanding on local fossil fuel development from Aberdeen, groups, supported by Community and energy efficiency issues, Becky joined the SCF in 2001 Energy Scotland (CES, a analyse local properties in terms as the environment policy Dingwall-based charity) and of energy efficiency and build on officer. She became known Development Trusts Association these two actions with a scheme for her very keen grasp of Scotland (DTAS). to tackle fuel poverty in the area. rural policy issues, her huge DTAS set up to help There will also be development communities tackle climate commitment to crofting and for of regular crofters’ markets to sell her cheerful disposition! change by reducing their carbon local produce and to encourage dioxide emissions. This is the Becky then managed the increased food production in the SCF croft land use programme largest Climate Challenge Fund area.” award since its inception in 2008, for its three years and Eric Larnach from Latheron and highlights the significance of continued working for us in Lybster and Clyth Community the Powerdown programme. policy analysis. She was also Scottish Development Company in The 25 new jobs means a seconded for part of her time Caithness commented: “This massive boost for the communities to the Committee of Inquiry funding and partnership working Crofting involved to develop a wide on Crofting, one of the most with Community Energy Scotland range of ‘low carbon’ community important pieces of research and DTAS will be the ideal projects, 20 of these new jobs done on crofting for decades. vehicle to allow us to develop our Federation being in the Highlands and Island Becky has been a great pleasure to work with for all area. Projects include setting local projects to reduce carbon t last year’s AGM we in the SCF and we hope that up local food allotments and emissions and become more discussed the name of the there will still be opportunities markets, using electric vehicles, energy efficient. Our projects Aorganisation and whether for us to work together. We all we should consider amending it. thermal imaging cameras for will include a locally-grown food wish her the very best in her There are several reasons to energy audits, developing local initiative, a poly tunnel project new endeavours. even contemplate this. Firstly, renewable energy generation and for education on locally-grown there was a sense of loss over restoring old hydro schemes. The food linked to a healthy eating the ‘Union’ part of the name going Powerdown consortium will show initiative and a community-owned in the change to charitable status that it is possible for communities wind project to deliver renewable (though it was at the time the to develop and thrive whilst at the energy, as well as an information law that dictated this); secondly, same time reducing their reliance and education centre – working ‘Foundation’ can be confusing on fossil fuels. The funding will with both primary schools and as in development and funding enable project officers to be secondary schools in Caithness. circles this is a name given to appointed in 25 communities Community Energy Scotland a grant-awarding body; and and additional support to the also now leads Scotland’s first thirdly, as the only member-led remaining two communities, national community energy organisation promoting crofting giving a massive boost to each network and communities wishing the representative status of the community’s plans. to join the network can find details at SCF could be reflected better in Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn www.communityenergyscotland. its name. (Galson Estate Trust) is one of org.uk or call Marion O’Hara, So, after many contributions Western Isles community groups membership manager, on 01349 the consensus is currently to who will benefit from the funding. 860122. return to the name ‘Federation’ which indicates that we work as a group of self-governing areas who share a common goal – to safeguard and promote the rights, livelihoods and culture of crofters and their communities. This will be put to the AGM as a resolution dunlop tractors 88x40 28/5/07in June. 11:39 If you havePage any 1 opinion on this please let it be known.

Dunlop Tractor Spares FERGI, 35/65, DEXTA, MAJOR NEW AND USED PARTS, BADGES, ETC. OVER 1800 DIFFERENT PARTS Send stamped addressed envelope,A4 size, for price list. 67 Crankill Road, Ballymena, N. Ireland BT43 5NN Tel/Fax: 028 2565 2560 Mobile: 07710 994 190 or 07834 455083 website: www.dunloptractorspares.co.uk email: [email protected]

Carola Bell and colleagues at Galston 20 THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 MEMBERS’ PAGES Membership – Meetings, meetings, meetings he Scottish Crofting Ministerial statement on CoIoC spreading the word Foundation is invited Crofting cross-party group n this edition of The but the strength and clout any Tto participate in numerous Rural policy cross party group Crofter you will find enclosed a representative organisation has meetings about matters Imembership leaflet/application is directly related to the size of its pertaining to crofting – every International Food Policy form, which we hope you will membership. week SCF people are making the congress be able to persuade a friend or The many reasons why case for crofting at the Scottish National Food policy conference Parliament, in London, to the neighbour to complete. anyone would want to become a Crofting assessors seminar By joining the Scottish Crofting member of this uniquely important EU and to all the agencies and Foundation a new member organisation are contained in the organisations that impact on our Foundation for Common Land will become a vital part of the way of life. inaugural meeting only member-led organisation Yes, you only These meetings show the Scottish Land Court – dedicated to the promotion of regard that policy-makers Askernish case have for the Foundation and crofting and the largest association have to recruit CAP health check of small-scale food producers in one person to the importance placed on our the UK. participation. Just think what Sea eagle management Crofting is going through make a difference. would happen if decisions on all meetings changing times, with more these issues were made without Bluetongue stakeholder reforms of legislation and policy membership leaflet and it would any representation for crofters. meetings that effect crofting happening than be a relatively easy task for any This is why it is so vital to have LFASS stakeholder meetings at any other time in the history of of our present members to seek a vibrant organisation with as crofting. We must remain ever out a fellow crofter (whether an many members as possible. Comhairle nan Eilean’s crofting vigilant to ensure that crofters and active crofter or not), who is either And remember, most of the joint consultative committee crofting do not suffer in any way a lapsed member or a potential SCF representatives who attend Meetings with MEPs at the hands of those who think new member. Yes, you only have these groups are crofters just Meetings with MSPs they know what’s best for us: civil to recruit one person to make a like you, elected officials of the House of Lords evidence to the servants, decision makers, those difference. SCF who give up days of their inquiry on LFASS in the corridors of power. Attracting new members is the own time to fight on your behalf To enable us to do so in the most pressing need for the SCF at for no remuneration, just for the FSA meat products meeting most effective and democratic the present time and playing your good of the cause. In respect to FSA food advisory committee way we must have a strong and part in keeping this organisation their endeavours, we must all RSE hills and islands report vibrant membership along with the at the forefront of rural affairs is try to encourage more people to presentations finances that enable us to keep something fellow members and become members, to stand for us in touch with what is going on, future generations will greatly office and to strive for a positive LEADER meetings to help prepare us to meet any appreciate and thank you for. future for crofting. Together we Lantra training meetings proposed changes with reasoned Can you recruit a member? Or can do it. argument or even approval. even several? If you need extra EID sheep tagging meetings A summary of recent meetings To say that SCF needs more membership forms, a phone call attended by SCF representatives Goose predation members to make it more or email to Marion at HQ is all on your behalf: Crown Estate review effective is an obvious statement that’s necessary to get them. FWAGS Funding Crisis he Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group Scotland A reminisce T(FWAGS) has encountered ast year I got an At the start of the Crofters Union, serious cashflow problems due opportunity to attend the there was an air of enthusiasm to cessation of its main funding Lannual conference of the and vigour. Some of us thought and faces closure. Having come Scottish Crofting Foundation that one of the strengths of such into existence as an independent in Barra when one of our area an organisation might be that charity only in November 2007 representatives had to pull out. crofters throughout the highlands (after having been part of FWAG, I had not attended such an could get together, socialise and the UK-wide organisation, for event since many years, although exchange opinions. Our local 25 years) this comes as a major I was pretty much there about branch had a stab at this with blow to all involved in environ- when the Crofters Union was one or two bus outings to other mentally-friendly food production. set up and for a good few years places. Our most memorable trip showed us around their patch. Crofters will have been familiar afterwards. So it was interesting was to Skye when the crofters But from a busload of forty, only with FWAGS’ farm conservation to observe the organisation in its of Portnalong gave us a great around a dozen of us went on the advisers who help them to secure present guise. highland day. croft tour. The remainder were agri-environment funding, man- I must say that the event was Sadly, the logistics of such an ladies on board for a day out and age wildlife and business integra- very enjoyable. It was well run and ideal are against it and it is very a look at what the shops of Fort tion and form croft development the island hospitality could not be hard to keep up the momentum, William had to offer. We had lost plans. faulted. I could only describe the especially among crofters where the theme of the venture. Funded in the most part by atmosphere as but a happy one. any sort of jolly has to take Mind you, there are people Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), FWAGS was known for its local Being a hands-on crofter it was second place to the task in mind. around who remember these trips knowledge and ‘bottom-up’ ap- not hard to find common ground After a few years, we had to give and I still get, “That would be an proach. Let’s hope that some- and it was heartening to see so up – you need a pretty full bus interesting place to go to.” So you thing of the organisation can be many able people involved in the to make it pay and it just wasn’t never know. re-generated and that FWAGS cause of crofting. I think that the forthcoming. Our last crofters’ John MacDonald, a stalwart of will survive in some form to con- founding fathers of the movement trip was to Lochaber, meeting up the SCF’s Rogart Branch tinue its good work. would be well pleased. with the crofters of Corpach who in East Sutherland THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 21 MEMBERS’ PAGES Advertise your Crofting induction courses espite the trials and tribulations asked us if they could run a crofting induction business on the encountered over the past few months course for interested students. This was Dwith our various funding bids for support agreed and the course synopsis and format SCF website in running the crofting induction courses, I am was passed on to them for delivery with the very happy to report that with financial help course completed successfully just before Self catering cottage to let? B&B? Do you run from HIE these are now finally underway. Christmas. Thanks to Evelyn Leask and fishing trips or sell crafts? This year we are running courses in Skye, Roselyn Fraser for their dedication in getting If you have a tourist business then you can Wester Ross, Barra, Speyside and Easter this course organised and running. advertise on the SCF website. Look under Ross. We have to thank our intrepid local We are, of course, always looking to the Croft Holidays on www.crofting.org course directors for hanging on, way past our future and in this regard we have teamed up Provide two photos, a brief description, normal starting point, for the funding to be – through the crofting training panel – with grading (if you have one), contact details confirmed and the go ahead to be given. Lantra, to prepare and submit a large funding (name, phone, email and website). The cost Because of this very short and intense lead-in bid to SRDP to take forward the crofting skills will be £35 for the first year. time, some areas have experienced problems training programme that has been under You must be an SCF member and the with booking venues and course tutors. It development for the past two years or so. If business must be run by yourself or an would also appear that the current financial this bid is successful, we will be working with immediate family member on a working croft. climate is having an impact on availability of Lantra to deliver some locally-based training Contact HQ 01599 566365 for more staff from agencies, especially those involved courses, identify prospective crofting skills details. with SRDP applications, and this has made trainers and mentors as well as securing the the task of local course directors more difficult short-term future of the induction courses. than ever before. Costs and availability of It is also hoped to take forward work on the New venues have also been an issue, due in part crofting skills workbooks and develop further to the number of schools and public facilities the online programme. This is a large (for us!) which are now under PFI management. and fairly complex funding application and we Opportunity However, despite all these local difficulties hope to have further details in our next issue. On our new Croftmart adverts our course directors have made stalwart efforts For more information on training opportunities and all the courses will run with upwards of in general, please contact our training co- page on the website, you can eight students attending each one. Some ordinator, Calina MacDonald, on 01478 have a classified ad on the locations always prove popular and within a 640276 or direct at SCF HQ on 01599 566375 few days of advertising the courses, a waiting or e-mail: [email protected]. internet at the same cost as list has had to be compiled. The following are details of the current in The Crofter. If you already Earlier, in autumn 2008, Shetland College induction courses and course organisers. advertise your business in Location Course organiser The Crofter, you can have Easter Ross Marj Donaldson Tel: 01349 861956 (Dingwall Academy) an ad on the internet for Isle of Skye Angus Robertson Tel: 01471 820342 (SLCVO Office, Portree) half price. Contact Calina on Speyside/Moray Fiona Powell Tel: 01343 835845 (Grantown Grammer School) 01478 640 276. Isle of Barra Nick Brannigann Tel: 07773 131576 (St Barrs Hall, Northbay) Wester Ross Kristine MacKenzie Tel: 01520 722882 (Strathcarron Centre)

You are invited to ... Branch meeting news Skye and Lochalsh Tiree Branch Area AGM We, the committee, were very disappointed on the night of our AGM that no one came to Thursday 26 March 7.30 pm our meeting except two members. Shinty club Portree. Speakers to be However, I must say we had an exciting time in the autumn, discussing, writing letters to confirmed. Please look in the press different departments – such as Alasdair Darling about red and white diesel, Argyll Estates on for more information nearer the time. geese and rent, a letter to Mike Russell MSP and discussion of the Shucksmith Report. Some of the matters mentioned were a surprise to the crofters. The day of the meeting, 5th February, I received a phone message from Colin Macfarlane Lewis Branch AGM SNP to say that he is coming to Tiree on Wednesday 25th February to hold a meeting about the geese; coming with him is Graham Pirie, Department of Agriculture – so I look forward to Tuesday 31 March 09 this meeting. We have had very wet weather and gales in January but now we are enjoying Council Chambers, Sandwick Road, lovely weather, sunshine by day, moonlight by night, so calm, it is lovely to see the cattle Stornoway, at 7.30pm and sheep lying relaxed. Few gathered sea weed, so it is good to see this again, an old time custom. Main guest speaker: Mary MacKinnon Chloe Randall Secretary (farmer and entrepreneur) Dunlossit Estate, Islay East Sutherland Branch At a well attended AGM of the Kyle of Sutherland and Lairg Branch in Ardgay recently, Simon Allison of the Crofters Commission gave an excellent and much appreciated breakdown of the Inverness and east SRDP scheme and the opportunities it presented for those with broadband, who could cut their Highland Area AGM way through the online maze. Simon’s customised presentation will certainly encourage quite a few of those present to press ahead with applications. Wednesday 25 March 7.30 pm Office-bearers Russell Smith (branch secretary), Robin Ross (treasurer) and Jim McGillivray Boat of Garten Village Hall (chairman) were re-elected to serve another term. 22 THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 Coming to a ROB GIBSON MSP computer near you for Highlands and Islands n the past, some of you may of other subscribers and get more have subscribed to the monthly information on each story on the Welcomes All Enquiries Iemail bulletins that came from site. You’ll also receive a monthly WICK OFFICE the Scottish Community Land e-bulletin which brings together Network. all the recent activity from the site, 4 Grant Street, And recently, the very astute including the latest community Wick, KW1 5AY amongst you might have noticed land news; discussions posted on a lull in those newsletters popping the forum and upcoming events. Tel: 01955 605016 into your email inbox. But, like Many of the articles that are a phoenix from the ashes, Fax: 01955 604963 included on the site will be of the Scottish Community Land particular interest to crofters – Email: [email protected] Network (SCLN) has risen again, recent examples include pieces reinvigorated and hopefully on the Shucksmith report, the coming to a computer near you. demise of the bull hire scheme and You’ll find SCLN online at www. the opportunities for renewable communityland.org.uk. It’s a energy development. useful mix of articles about what’s If you’d like to receive all this Angus MacNeil MP going on in the world of community information for FREE and have a land; an events calendar; a who’s chance to get in touch with others who directory so you can find an interested in community land, you Constituency Office expert in most things and a forum can register on the site by going so you can vent your spleen 31 Bayhead Street to www.communityland.org.uk without searching for a soapbox. and entering a few simple details. Stornoway As from this month we have a The site is being managed by new feature on the site that we’ve Isle of Lewis HS1 2DU Walking-the-Talk, a small rural called “Give us a CLU” – staff from business based in Aberdeenshire, the Community Land Unit (CLU) at on behalf of Highlands and Highlands and Islands Enterprise Tel no 70 2272 Islands Enterprise. If you want to have agreed to provide a virtual know more about the network and E-Mail [email protected] helpline through our forum. So if how it operates, you can contact you have a burning question and Enquiries welcome – office open Monday-Friday Walking-the-Talk through www. need an expert answer, register on Angus MacNeil MP communityland.org.uk. the site and get typing. If there’s Rather than just providing Constituency office anything the CLU staff can’t help 31 Bayhead Street information, we hope that SCLN Stornoway you with, they’ll do their best to point you in the right direction. will grow into a truly interactive Isle of Lewis space where crofters, community HS1 2DU With over 450 members already, findTel no 70 2272 us on-line at the network’s rapidly turning into land groups and others can stay E-Mail [email protected] the place to keep in touch with in touch and learn from each www.crofting.orgEnquiries welcome the community land sector. Each other. You could call it a network, Office open Monday-Friday subscriber can see the forum I suppose! discussions, search the database Tamsin Morris Scottish Crofting Foundation contacts list BOARD OF DIRECTORS AREA REPRESENTATIVES Uist and Barra Area David Muir Chair Caithness and East Sutherland Area 01870 602539 [email protected] Neil Macleod Russell Smith 01863 766 144 Ena MacDonald 01876 510 268 01851 702 673 [email protected] [email protected] Norman Leask Wester Ross Area Jim McPherson Ewen MacKinnon 01595 809 375 [email protected] 01955 641 335 01520 766210 [email protected] [email protected] Donald MacDonald Skye and Lochalsh Area 01478 640 276 [email protected] Harris Area Sandra Holmes 01599 544203 [email protected] John Macleod Steve McCombe 01463 772 241 01859 502 161 [email protected] Lochaber Area [email protected] Joyce Ormiston Lewis Area 01687 450375 [email protected] Marina Dennis Donnie MacDonald 01479 831 384 [email protected] 01851 870766 [email protected] Argyll Area Donald Linton 01631 564 719 Alasdair MacMhaoin North West Sutherland Area Inverness and East Highland Area 01408 641 474 [email protected] Allan MacRae 01571 844335 Marina Dennis01479 831 384

Company Secretary Shetland Area Orkney Area Alistair MacIver Eleanor Arthur Nickie May 01408 641 373 [email protected] 01806 566498 [email protected] 01856 711 350 [email protected] THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 23 ALLANS OF GILLOCK LTD GILLOCK MAINS, GILLOCK, Keep up to date with what’s going on WICK, CAITHNESS. KW1 5UR in the community land sector... TEL: 01955 661211 register FREE online YOUR LOCAL BUILDERS & AGRICULTURAL MERCHANTS stockists of FENCING MATERIALS and GATES SHEEP and CATTLE The Scottish Community Land network is... HANDLING and funded by & managed by FEEDING EQUIPMENT

CAITHNESS, ORKNEY, SHETLAND, INVERNESS Tel: 01955 661211 • 01856 761594 • 01950 460417 • 01463 713270 www.hie.co.uk www.walking-the-talk.co.uk Fax: 01955 661244 • 01856 761709 • 01950 460013 • 01463 713393

UPM Tilhill for tree planting on common grazing

improved planting grants plus annual payments for 2009 18 years experience implementing Crofters planting schemes from application to completion, we guide you through every stage locally based forest managers, free no obligation initial visit To find out how we can help please call John McGlade on 01463 234633 or 07831 608537

www.upm-tilhill.com UPM Tilhill sac 88x85 2/8/07 12:09 Page 1 24 THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009

Independent advice and consultancy services throughout the Crofting Counties

Balivanich 01870 602336 Campbeltown 01586 552502 Inverness 01463 233266 Kirkwall 01856 872698 Lerwick 01595 693520 Oban 01631 563093 Portree 01478 612993 Stornoway 01851 703103 Thurso 01847 892719

Lewis Crofters Ltd WHEN RESPONDING TO AN ADVERT, please say you saw it in The Crofter Crofter advertising: Claire Nicolson SHEEP FEED CATTLE FOOD 01471 833239 crofter 88x130 090227 27/02/2009 16:00 Page 1 DRENCHES VACCINES FERTILISERS HARDWARE SEEDS CLOTHING ANOTHER AWARD-WINNING YEAR FENCING TRACTOR PARTS FOOTWEAR CAR TRAILERS HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS MEDIA AWARDS Lewis Crofters Ltd Island Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis Telephone 01851 702350 Fax: 01851 703077 www.lewiscrofters.co.uk Keith MacKenzie Sports Writer of the Year

Murray MacLeod rooted in our community Feature Writer of the Year and highly commended in the Bord na Gaidhlig Award Macleod & MacCallum Willie Urquhart Solicitors and Estate Agents highly commended in the 28 Queensgate Photographer of the Year award Inverness IV1 1YN Supporting Aonghas Pàdraig Caimbeul Crofting Bord na Gaidhlig Award Communities throughout the The newspaper of the Highlands and land, the language, Islands the people 01463 239393 www.macandmac.co.uk THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 25 Crofting Heroes A new topic, in which we feature a well-known crofting figure. We start the series with a profile of Alastair MacIver, Rogart, written by his old friend and colleague, John MacDonald. Alistair MacIver – crofter, diplomat from local to regional council in put forward a case in support of of much unrest and resignation 1975 which brought with it many crofting, special meetings with of active members. The boat got problems. One of these was a the then Secretary of State. All pretty rocky for a while. Alastair bonus scheme for Inverness the while honing his skills as an was there at the right time to give council workers. Alastair was arbitrator. guidance and encourage change to spend the next three years Perhaps his best hour was which led to calmer waters. in Inverness supervising the at the time of the change from Alistair still serves the SCF as transition of this scheme. This SCU to the SCF. It was a time company secretary. also led to an interest in union activities, which saw him become a representative for the council workers union – a position he holds to this day. His next involvement was with lastair was born in a management services section, Brora on the coast of East based in Brora but covering the ASutherland, into a district whole Highland Region. This saw with modest crofts, many still him drive vast distances in the line occupied by the descendants of of duty. Following this he was put those cleared from the valley of in charge of a manpower services the River Brora in 1819. unit, setting up and supervising Peat turning c1975 showing Alistair with his family John and Linda and uncle Alex Early in his life tragedy struck youth training schemes. Most of Vass on plough when both his parents were taken us oldies will remember “YOP.” through illness. Alastair and his By the time that this scheme was brother were looked after and being wound down, Alistair was 64 brought up by their grandparents. and accepted the opportunity of Alastair was sent up to the retirement and more time to work maternal grandmother and uncle the croft. Although working on the in Rossal, Rogart. home croft all his life, it was only His education was in the local in 1981 when Uncle Alex died, school at Blarich followed by two that Alastair took up the tenancy. years secondary education in He greatly increased the sheep Lairg. The latter did not inspire flock, upped the cow numbers, him for further education at that built a new house for the croft and stage in life so he left school and following that a splendid large started work on Blarich farm, shed. getting good hands-on experience Fitting in croft work in with of agriculture. Then, into his mid- such a busy schedule meant a fifties with the forestry commission lot of planning and organising, very active, Alastair left the farm the occasional help from his to work with a local contractor neighbours being called upon Snow plough c 1956 help erect forestry fences. and rewarded in kind when Soon another job opportunity appropriate. He supported the occurred when there was a local hill grazings committee, vacancy in the local roads squad seeking it to take advantage of of which his uncle Alex was the grants on offer, one of these foreman. This was around the being for a forestry scheme. same time that the local authority As if this was not enough, acquired ex-army four-wheel- there was the commitment to drive lorries to update their fleet of the local community council, snow-clearing machines. Alasdair which he served in various became one of the snowplough capacities including a long spell drivers, a duty he performed for as chairman. many years and in the process Parallel to all this was his part in of which he gained a reputation the SCU and SCF. He was there for skilled driving in often very at the inaugural meeting of the adverse conditions. He became SCU in November 1985 and was the roads foreman when Alex the second chairman to serve the retired. local branch. Attending every During the sixties and seventies branch and area meeting was there was a new idea on the go for the norm. Soon he was rising up assessing efficiency in the work the hierarchy of the organisation, place: “work study” was the in attending council and serving for thing. Alistair put himself forward two and a half years as president in answer to a recruiting initiative Alastair was constantly being by the council and along with a called on to fulfil diplomatic few others was sent to Inverness and representative positions to get trained. This opened the for the organisation, attending door for further opportunities. annually the hill farming review in One involved the changeover Edinburgh, trips to Brussels to Alistair presenting the township of the year award 26 THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 PESTICIDE LIMITS BY EUROPARLIAMENT Hugh Raven, director of Soil Association carcinogenic it’s because there is substantive increases are in any way related to limits on Scotland, on the pesticide ban debate scientific evidence linking that substance with poisonous chemicals. n January the European Parliament voted cancer.” Don’t expect this time to be any different. to phase out some of the most dangerous Nor will these dangerous products be The crops in question will continue to be Ipesticides licensed for use in the EU. They withdrawn at once. The new rules will leave grown. Perhaps the production conditions should be congratulated for upholding the many of them on the market for up to several will change somewhat. More natural methods public interest. years, because pesticides that are currently of husbandry, with rotations that break the In the current economic climate, we should approved for sale will remain available until cycle of disease and pest attacks, may make sympathise with anyone worried about the the authorization expires. a welcome comeback. Arable and livestock viability of their business. But I find it hard to To its shame, the UK government is one of production could be reintegrated in the sort understand the subsequent over-reaction to the few in the EU to oppose this small step. these modest proposals. Perhaps it was taken in by suggestions that of mixed farming that for so long was the The marginal reduction in the number of prices of some crops could treble without these mainstay of the Scottish agricultural economy. Europe’s more dangerous pesticides is a small sprays. The growing of carrots and sugar beet More resistant varieties of crops could and step in the right direction. Don’t overestimate in the UK could stop altogether, we were told, should be used, and new ones bred for a post- its significance – it applies to what the and wheat yields could be more than halved. pesticide era. European Commission reckons to be five per Potato yields could drop by sixty per cent, one Most Scottish producers don’t and haven’t cent of EU-approved pesticides. Of that small farming spokesman screamed in the Farmers’ ever used these products. I’d be surprised number, most that in due course will go are Weekly, and “At least 10p will go on a loaf if some of them have ever been used in known endocrine disrupters (ie they can upset of bread, 3p on a litre of milk and 40p on a crofting. human hormone systems). A smaller number kilogram of pork,” wailed another. Farming, crofting and growing can thrive are linked with cancer, cause cell mutations or Perhaps we should not be surprised at the without them. Again, don’t take my word for it. are toxic to reproduction. extravagance of these claims. Steps towards Farmers have been producing healthy crops Don’t take my word for their danger. safer food supplies have almost always been without them for years. Organic producers Professor Vyvyan Howard, a member of the opposed by small but vociferous lobbies. Over have been proving that season after season Government’s own official advisory committee the years many deadly poisons have been for at least the last thirty years – and so have on pesticides, said recently: “What I find most removed from use, sometimes accompanied crofters. absurd is the claim that the EU proposals are by dire warnings about the consequences A shorter version of this article appeared in not based on science. Whole teams of national for food prices. Yet until recently, prices fell and European scientific experts are involved. almost continuously for generations. And so The Scotsman in January. Where a specific pesticide is classified as being far as I know, no-one is claiming recent price www.soilassociation.org Future Farmer Award 2009 ach year sustainable – things which can be Scotland is eligible, whether he or the Future seen working on the ground on she is an owner, tenant, crofter or EFarmer Award Scottish farms and crofts. employee. In 2009 the organisers supports a farmer Award organisers are looking for are particularly interested in ideas or crofter who is ideas which promote sustainability which combine environmental managing land in ways which and which could be taken up by sustainability with economic promote sustainability and who other land managers. The ideas advantage. would like to share ideas with do not have to be unique but Land managers can apply on others. The 2009 Future Farmer the winner will be someone who their own behalf by submitting a Award is now open for entries, is doing something practical on few paragraphs about why they with a closing date of 13 April. the ground and who is prepared would like to enter the award via The winning Scottish farmer/ to commit time over the year to the website at www.futurefarmer. crofter will be awarded £4,000 and sharing his or her knowledge and org.uk. Alternatively, anyone can a package of practical support to experience. nominate a farmer or crofter who help communicate ideas to other The award is able to support they think should be considered land managers. The cash can a wide range of initiatives, for for the award. be used either to fund a specific example: The Future Farmer Award is project or simply to allow the an initiative of the Murray Trust winner take time away from the • managing soils to reduce flooding risk and is financially supported by Scottish Natural Heritage. The • cutting CO emissions on-farm 2 presentation of the award is and in supply chains Scottish crofters sponsored by Savills and will take • integrating native woodland place at the Royal Highland Show urged to submit management with grazing in June 2009. livestock ideas for Full details about the award are sustainability • choosing crops varieties which at www.futurefarmer.org.uk along award are resilient to wet summers with information about last year’s • developing new ideas for winner, Whitmuir Farm, including productive and sustainable photos and a video clip. Whitmuir management of hill ground farm or croft work to speak at Farm will conclude its year as events or host farm/croft walks. • running farm machinery on Future Farmer Award winner by The award was set up to farm-produced bio-fuel hosting an open day in May. encourage creative thinking and • creating the right conditions for For further information contact: positive action on sustainability commercially useful wild plants Anna Ashmole, Food and Farm- in Scottish agriculture. It aims to to grow ing Consultant help farmers/crofters learn from Other ideas are welcome and T: 01899 830 536 each other about practical ways of anyone who is responsible for E: [email protected] making land management more managing productive land in www.futurefarmer.org.uk THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 27 The Crofter - Protection#1FEA25 28/3/06 2:09 pm Page 1

The last thing your children need when you’re gone is your bills

Call us on 0141 225 3233 or contact your local NFU Mutual agent for face to face advice on protection for you and your family NFU Mutual Financial Consultants advise on NFU Mutual products and services and in special circumstances those of other providers INSURANCE PENSIONS INVESTMENTS

It’s an NFU Mutual understanding

NFU Mutual is The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. A member of the Association of British Insurers. For security and training purposes, telephone calls may be recorded and monitored. 28 THE CROFTER, MARCH 2009 Crofting in the curriculum school in the Western Isles is third year with pupils progressing through ‘allotment revolution’ points to crofting as a providing a model for the rest of Scotland Intermediate 1, achieving an Intermediate 2 model form of sustainable agriculture.” A in teaching crofting as part of the qualification at the end of the two years. The crofting course is one of a number of curriculum. The course was launched by the It has taken two years from recognising the accredited vocational courses being offered Minister for Environment, Michael Russell need to accredit the skills specific to crofting, by Western Isles schools to help make MSP at Sgoil Lionacleit on December 1st. with its unique method of land custodianship, education increasingly relevant to the needs Until now the skills required to manage, gaining approval from the SQA (Scottish and aspirations of young people and help care for and reap a return from the land Qualifications Authority) to write the specialised meet the needs of the local economy. have been unrecognised in schools. The course materials in Uist, a crofting area, with Already running are courses leading to new National Course in Crofting is now a view to it being rolled out in schools across qualifications in traditional boatbuilding, roof being taught to pupils as well as their other the Highlands and Islands, traditionally the slating and tiling, hospitality and catering and curricular subjects. crofting counties. Being taught by a crofter and a teacher on a Councillor Archie Campbell, chair of the currently work is in the production of a new croft, pupils learn about land – soils, crops and Sustainable Development Committee for course related to the Harris Tweed industry. weather; livestock – including breeds, welfare Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said: “In the current This determined-to-succeed applied- and management; the natural environment; time of change, the way land is viewed, how education approach seeks to promote the diversification; history, and regulation. Gaelic it is managed, how far food has travelled and development of skills for life and skills for work is embedded in the course. how it has been produced all mean that a low- in young people, making them in turn more The crofting year is a Scottish progression intensity, locally-produced, land management effective social and economic contributors in award for secondary pupils, starting in philosophy compatible with the urban the future.

New person in charge Dates for You heard it here first of Crofter advertising “The Scottish Beef Calf Scheme (the Beef your diary National Envelope) needs to be retained alina MacDonald has been dealing and packaged together with other policy with the advertising in The Crofter for a he SCF’s Annual General tools in order to provide sufficient support Cfew years now, but is about to move on to maintain livestock production in the hills Meeting will be held on to filming for a series in Gaelic on gardening. and uplands… By itself, the SBCS does not Tuesday 23rd June in Dingwall We wish Calina well in this new career as a T provide an adequate incentive to influence film star. Auction Mart. production decisions. However, if the scheme Taking over Calina’s role for the next issue Full details and a calling notice will could form one component of a much broader will be Claire Nicolson.Originally a city-dweller appear in the June edition of The potential support package then it would be a from Edinburgh, Claire discovered crofting on a Crofter. vital component of this larger element,” NFUS family holiday in the west Highlands at the age Our Annual Gathering will this Manifesto for the Hills, October 2008. of seven and became hooked. It took a further “In discussions over the use and targeting of twenty-odd years to find herself the right crofter year take crofters to one of the newly designated crofting areas of a beef National Envelope, the SCF has joined and settle down. She and her family live on her forces with many other organisations to call Grantown on Spey. husband’s family croft in Duisdale, Isle of Skye, for targeted support for cattle on units in the where they keep sheep and cattle. The gathering will take place north and the west….. With final decisions on over two days from Monday 27 to the use and targeting of the National Envelope Tuesday 28 September. Roseanna expected as The Crofter goes to press, the How to contact us Cunningham, new Minister for the SCF position is that the National Envelope Environment and Andy Wightman, monies should be targeted effectively to the [email protected] well-known land campaigner and greatest degree possible to deal with the 01599 566 365 author of Who Owns Scotland, are issues identified.” The Crofter, May 2004 SCF HQ confirmed as speakers. Further Lochalsh Business Park details and a booking form will Auchtertyre, Kyle IV40 8EG appear in the next edition of The Crofter and also online as they Crofter editor – Fiona Mandeville become available. [email protected] To advertise in The Crofter During production of this issue of the contact Claire Nicolson on Crofter our editor, Fiona Mandeville, [email protected] has been hopitalised and we all wish 01471 833239 her a speedy recovery. find us on-line at www.crofting.org

Printed by Strath Print Ltd, Broadford, Isle of Skye email [email protected] Tel: 01471 822555