Crofters Present Case to Rural Affairs Minister

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 27th Jul 2004

John Thurso MP and Jamie Stone MSP last week led a delegation from the North to discuss the Livestock Improvement Scheme in Edinburgh with Rural Affairs Minister, Ross Finnie MSP.

The delegation comprised Robert Coghill, Highlands and Islands Sheep Strategy, John White, President of the North Country Cheviot Sheep Society and Netta Mackenzie, Crofter.

Speaking after the meeting, John Thurso said:

"The Livestock Improvement Scheme had its deficiencies but it has been much valued by the crofting communities in the Far North. The representatives were able to present to the Minister their potential new scheme which would both meet the objectives of the Department and fulfil the aspirations of the crofters. The Minister was receptive and although unable to enter into any firm commitments at the meeting undertook to review the scheme as quickly as possible."

Jamie Stone said:

"In the past, the Scheme has been most used by crofters in the most remote and most marginal areas. If we are to protect and enhance crofting in these same areas, it is essential that the scheme proposed by the crofters can be accepted by the Scottish Executive".

Netta Mackenzie said:

"It was a very worthwhile meeting. The Minister Clearly understood the problem facing crofters and he agreed to look at the scheme we proposed".