Renewable Energy and Beef Scheme Announcements

The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the announcement by Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead of a strategy to assist crofters and farmers to benefit from renewable energy development. SCF Chair Eleanor Arthur said, “Undoubtedly there are great opportunities for individual crofters, and for crofting communities, in renewables development. However the picture is fragmented and confusing with many pitfalls to be overcome. We hope the Agri-renewables Strategy will bring assistance with finance, simplified planning procedures, and access to the electricity grid for small-scale projects. As Mr. Lochhead says, this is a steep learning curve for all of us. What we need above all is impartial advice on the options.”