SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed figures published this week by the Crofting Commission which show a substantial increase in the number of new entrants to crofting.

Notably, 45% of these new entrants are women, and 29% are aged 40 or younger. The 510 new entrants to crofting were recorded between March 2022 and March 2023, and were recorded across all crofting areas of Scotland.

Commenting on the figures, the islands’ MSP said:

“The latest figures for new entrants to crofting are very encouraging, particularly the proportions of young people and women recorded. This progress demonstrates new measures on helping prospective new crofters secure a croft tenancy are working, though of course there is still more that can be done to make the process more efficient and to further widen access. As the Minister for Crofting stated this week, the Scottish Government will continue to work closely with the Crofting Commission to create additional opportunities for new entrants. It is also my hope that the upcoming Crofting Bill will include provisions to help sustain crofting in the long-term, supporting new entrants and existing crofters alike.”