Western Isles MSP welcomes passing of crofting bill

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has today welcomed the passing by 66 votes to 0 of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“Reaching agreement on this bill has been a very long process. It began four years ago with the appointment, by the previous Government, of Professor Shucksmith’s Enquiry into crofting and the Bill itself has been subject to very significant change from the original proposals, which were in part unworkable.

“Passing this Bill”

“Of course not everyone will agree on every part of the bill that has been passed today. Indeed, I took the opportunity today to press the minister for assurances on crofter housing, and I made the case for reducing further the fees to be paid for the new Register of Crofts.

“However, the debate about legislation cannot go on indefinitely, and we now have a piece of legislation, which is the produce of lengthy consultation in the crofting community. Now it is time to focus on the other issues affecting the future of crofting, besides legislation.

“Passing this Bill, and turning our attention to the problems facing crofting will allow us to do that.”

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