Crofting Connections

Crofting Connections ~ Ceanglaichean Croitearachd

Learning about crofting past, present and future, and
helping schools to deliver the Curriculum for Excellence.

Crofting Connections is a programme of activities and events that will
inspire over 1,000 young people aged 5-16 living in remote rural
communities throughout the Highlands & Islands about crofting past,
present and future. They will learn traditional skills from crofters, create
their own climate-friendly food-growing projects, and help safeguard the
history, culture and heritage associated with their crofting communities.

Why the project is needed:

Crofting is Scotland’s indigenous system of small-scale subsistence farming
that has supported families in some of the remotest parts of the Highlands
& Islands for centuries.

Crofting has many benefits. It keeps communities alive, enables people to
live and work in isolated areas, and helps keep rural schools and other vital
public services operating. Crofters traditionally use low intensity
management techniques and limited amounts of chemical fertilisers, weed
killers and insect sprays, which helps to encourage wildlife and create
unique landscapes and habitats. Crofting also sustains a rich cultural
heritage reflected in its legacy of language, music, song, dance, poetry,
storytelling and literature.

However, crofting faces major challenges in the 21st century. The average
age of crofters is high, and many crofting practices, traditions and
memories of a bygone age are in danger of disappearing. If crofting is to
survive, both as a sustainable and productive use of land and as a living
culture, young people must be encouraged to take up crofting.

Crofting Connections is modelled on a highly successful pilot to celebrate
crofting in Year of Highland Culture 2007. A report of the pilot by Health
Promoting Schools (now part of Learning & Teaching Scotland)
demonstrated that in learning from crofters, young people developed a
sense of belonging to the land and the community, whilst older people
enjoyed passing on their knowledge and skills.

Young people also grew enthusiastic about the food production skills,
traditions and crafts associated with crofting, and became more confident
individuals with increased knowledge and pride in their heritage. Many also
expressed an intention to live and work in their communities when they
completed their education. Crofting Connection’s key outcomes for young
people will be increased:

o Desire to live and work in their crofting communities.
o Ability to keep crofting alive in the 21st century for the benefit of rural
communities and the environment.
o Development in the curriculum’s four key capacities for education
successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and
effective contributors.
o Understanding of the need for environmentally-friendly and healthy food
based on low carbon principles.

To view the Crofting Connections Flyer please click here: 

Crofting Connections Flyer.pdf