SCF News
Crofting Federation gathering on ‘Access to Crofts’ inundated
18 February 2021
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) Young Crofters group hosted a session yesterday to find solutions to the difficulties in getting...
Crofting delivers for climate and will use the promised payment
2 February 2021
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the commitment by Scottish Government of over £613 million in agricultural support to...
And the SCF Young Crofter Award goes to
25 January 2021
Helen O’Keefe, in Elphin, Sutherland, has been chosen as SCF Young Crofter of the Year. Judges representing Scottish Crofting Federation...
Fairer convergence payments a welcome win for crofters
22 January 2021
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) acknowledges timely and fairer payments of the ‘convergence uplift’ and Less Favoured Areas Support, after a...
Crofting Federation plans for the year ahead with new chair
19 January 2021
The Board and Council of the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) held its first meeting of the new year on Friday,...
Crofting Federation calls the Brexit deal an inadequate stitch-up
6 January 2021
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has given its support to the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament’s stance which declines to...
Crofters point to better use of money and land
14 December 2020
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has criticised the Scottish Government’s award of £1,000,000 to a single land-owner, MacLeod of Skye,...
Ministers’ assurances inadequate say crofters
30 November 2020
Assurances given by UK ministers, at a Northern Isles meeting last week, that all is well with Brexit planning, were...
Scottish sheep producers call on government to come clean
17 November 2020
The National Sheep Association Scotland (NSA Scotland) and The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) have joined their voices in calling on...
Crofting Federation Assured of Reformation of Support Scheme
10 November 2020
At a meeting with Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing, the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has been assured that reformation of the...
SCF Young Crofter Award 2020
1 September 2020
Scottish Crofting Federation and The MacRobert Trust invite the nomination of young crofters for the award of Young Crofter 2020....
Call for land at SCF Young Crofters gathering
19 August 2020
Access to land was highlighted as an obstacle at an on-line event hosted by the Scottish Crofting Federation’s young crofters....
Crofting Federation rejects UK Government ‘Internal Market’ proposals
12 August 2020
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has responded to UK Government consultation on proposed legislation on the U.K. Internal Market. SCF Chair...
SCF Young Crofters Gathering 2020 – adapting, sharing and inspiring
11 August 2020
Tuesday 18th August 2020, 10am - 4pm (ZOOM) Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) are holding a free virtual gathering for Young...
Survey highlights crofters’ Covid-19 concerns
21 April 2020
The responses from a survey put out to crofters by the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) reveal access to cash-flow, labour,...
Crofting Federation sets 2020 priorities
21 January 2020
The Board and Council of the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) held its first meeting of the new year on Friday...
Crofting ahead of the game in climate mitigation says Federation
11 February 2020
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the announcement of Scottish Government funding to support agriculture’s contribution to meeting Scotland’s climate...
Crofting Federation looks for answers from leaders
3 December 2019
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has sent the leaders of the Scottish parties a list of questions that are important to...
Additional £10 million a step in the right direction says Crofting Federation
7 November 2019
Following a meeting with Scottish Government over the controversial allocation of convergence funding, Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has indicated that...
Crofting Federation wins argument for crofters and hill farmers
29 October 2019
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the Scottish Government announcement that the allocation of £160M convergence funding will adhere to...
Crofting Federation advocates “fair use of convergence uplift”
8 October 2019
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) suggests a more just and principled use of the ‘convergence uplift’ £160M received from Europe. “Having...
Highland and Moray Social Crofting Network grows with launch of website
25 September 2019
Following on from a successful inaugural event at Glachbeg croft on the Black Isle, the Scottish Crofting Federation’s social crofting...
Crofting law deemed less important by Scottish Government
13 September 2019
Responding to the announcement that crofting legislation is unlikely to proceed through parliament in this session, Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF)...
Crofting Federation: it is crofters’ and hill farmers’ £160M back-pay
5 September 2019
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has laid down a marker on the £160 million agricultural ‘backpayment’ that has been returned to...
Crofting Federation highlights need for land for croft new entrants
4 June 2019
Scottish Crofting Federation has commended the Scottish Government on its announcement of more land having been made available for new...
Crofting Federation greets SNH admission that sea eagles do kill healthy lambs
4 June 2019
SCF was pleased to see the publication of the sea eagle management plan by SNH last week, accompanied by an...
Crofting Federation endorses support to Scottish lamb marketing
20 May 2019
Scottish Crofting Federation has welcomed government support to promotion of Scotch Lamb PGI and has emphasised the need for local...
Highlands and Islands Woodlands Handbook launched
10 May 2019
A new guide for crofters, communities and small woodland owners was launched at the Croft Woodland Conference on 9th May...
SCF News Release: Federation denounces councillors for betraying crofting
16 April 2019
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) reacted to a planning decision with strong criticism of Highland councillors who ignored the regulator and...
Balance needed between crofting and wildlife says Crofting Federation
26 February 2019
The Scottish Crofting Federation has recently carried out an online survey about conflicts between wildlife and crofting, which demonstrates that...
SCF meetings find potential for crofting after Brexit
19 February 2019
The Scottish Crofting Federation has just concluded a short tour of membership meetings in Lewis and Shetland which had as...
Crofting Federation appoints new chair
22 January 2019
Yvonne White, a crofter from Kingsburgh on the Isle of Skye, has been appointed to lead the Scottish Crofting Federation...
Crofting Federation assured by government that less favoured area support will be maintained
15 January 2019
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has received assurance from the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy, Fergus Ewing, that he is absolutely...
Crofting must get support for disadvantage, warns Federation
9 January 2019
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) warns that crofting is seriously threatened by the drastic cuts to Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme...
Crofters wary about the future
20 November 2018
A survey of crofters’ attitudes taken this month by the Scottish Crofting Federation shows that crofters are wary of the...
Crofting Cabinet Secretary upbeat on future at Federation event
9 October 2018
The Scottish Crofting Federation was delighted that the Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy attended the Spirit of Crofting event...
Federation event celebrates the role of young people in crofting
9 October 2018
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) was delighted to recognise young crofters with an awards ceremony at the ‘Celebrating the Spirit of...
Crofting Federation calls on the Comhairle to provide concrete assurances on abattoir provision in Stornoway
9 October 2018
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) calls on Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to provide reassurance to the crofting community of Lewis...
New Zealand leader of women in agriculture visits Scotland
2 October 2018
Lindy Nelson, the CEO of the New Zealand Agri-Women`s Development Trust, will be speaking at Dewars Centre, Perth on Thursday...
Crofting Federation announces short-list of nominations for young crofter awards
14 September 2018
Next month, two awards will be made by the Scottish Crofting Federation following a call for nominations for Young Crofter...
Payments transition an opportunity to get things right for Crofting says SCF
21 August 2018
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has emphasised in its response to the government ‘Stability and Simplicity’ consultation that change is...
Advance payment scheme could be a life-saver says Crofting Federation
13 August 2018
A Scottish Government advance payment scheme to help cash-flow for crofters and farmers affected by adverse weather conditions is welcomed...
Scottish Crofting Federation welcomes HIE and Crofting Commission collaboration promise
7 August 2018
Following HIE and the Crofting Commission’s announcement at the Black Isle Show that they aim to work collaboratively to further...
NEWS RELEASE: Crofting support is shown to be lacking, says Federation
30 July 2018
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the research report ‘Support for Crofting’ released today by the Crofting Commission, saying it...
Crofting Federation rates National Council of Rural Advisors’ consultation as “shallow”
24 July 2018
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has submitted a response to the National Council of Rural Advisors’ consultation on rural development post-Brexit,...
Chair, Russell Smith, urges you to comment on Stability and Simplicity proposals for post Brexit policy
23 July 2018
I wasn’t going to write about Brexit this month but you just can’t escape it. The most recent proposals from...
Assynt Crofters Trust 25th Anniversary Celebrations – watch the Allan MacRae Memorial Debate
12 July 2018
SCF was delighted to be able to host the Allan MacRae Memorial debate as part of the ACT’s 25th Anniversary...
SCF comments on emerging strategy for agriculture support
27 June 2018
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has provisionally commented on the consultation document “Stability and Simplicity” released by Scottish Government last week....
Crofting Federation bids farewell to stalwart office-bearer
19 June 2018
The recent Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) AGM saw a change of Company Secretary after a decade of dedicated service from...
What keeps crofters awake at night… Crofting Federation finds out
18 June 2018
The Scottish Crofting Federation recently surveyed its members and found no big surprises in their responses: number one worry is...
Chair, Russell Smith, on Post-Brexit Agriculture
16 June 2018
I’m going to talk in this column about Brexit – no, please don’t stop reading straight away. This is rightly...
SCF encouraged by direction of travel in agricultural policy strategy report
5 June 2018
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the direction of travel recommended by the Scottish Government ‘Agricultural Champions’ in their report...
Crofting Federation welcomes government funding for rural mental health
22 May 2018
The Scottish Crofting Federation has welcomed the announcement that Scottish Government will continue to support the National Rural Mental Health...
#CroftSpirit18 – Celebrating the Spirit of Crofting Awards
18 May 2018
The first of their kind, these awards will be given to two individuals following a call for nominations by the...
Crofting Federation welcomes report demonstrating Highlands & Islands agriculture is unique
15 May 2018
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) welcomed a report launched yesterday that “demonstrates unequivocally that Highlands and Islands agriculture and land use...
Crofting Federation supports Scottish Government approach to law reform
8 May 2018
The Scottish Crofting Federation has supported the two-phase approach to crofting law reform, as outlined by the Cabinet Secretary Fergus...
Crofting celebration is awarded funding by Moray LEADER
1 May 2018
Crofting celebration is awarded funding by Moray LEADER - A two day event that celebrates the spirit of crofting will...
Crofting Federation reminds crofters to submit their Single Application Form
1 May 2018
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) reminds crofters to submit their Single Application Form by 15th May if they wish to claim...
SCF MEMBERSHIP SURVEY 2018: RESPOND TODAY
1 May 2018
Members will be receiving a questionnaire with the latest edition of The Crofter. This is your opportunity to let us...
SCF welcomes assurances from Mundell for post-Brexit agriculture
17 April 2018
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the assurances given by Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell, on the outlook...
Crofting Federation adds crofting to NFUS policy
10 April 2018
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has found the paper ‘Steps to Change’ recently published by NFU Scotland to be lacking...
SCF welcomes government plans on taking crofting law reform forward
29 March 2018
The Scottish Crofting Federation gave a positive response to the plans put forward by Scottish Government on taking crofting law...
Crofting Federation welcomes Commission initiatives
26 March 2018
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has congratulated the Crofting Commission on the recently announced initiatives of a new Assessors Panel...
Women-only training has its place says SCF
13 March 2018
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) is clear that women-only agricultural training is necessary and responds to specific requests from women seeking...
Women in Agriculture – Inverness meeting
13 March 2018
Women in Agriculture – Knowledge transfer
13 March 2018
SCF Urges Crofters To Take Care In Burning
6 March 2018
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) urges crofters who practice Muirburn to do so with extra care as several fires have gone...
SCF calls for moratorium on sporting rates demands
20 February 2018
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) calls on local authorities to halt inappropriate demands for payment of rates from crofters on...
SCF Welcomes Government Loan
13 February 2018
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the advance loan for less favoured areas provided by Scottish Government and urges crofters...
Russell Smith, SCF Chair meets MPs Ian Blackford and Jamie Stone
5 February 2018
With Brexit again dominating the headlines Russell Smith, Chair of the Scottish Crofting Federation, has met with Highland MPs Ian...
SCF calls on Scottish Government to support creation of small local abattoirs
23 January 2018
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) calls on the Scottish Government to give tangible support to the creation of small local...
Job Opportunity Training Administrator Ullapool
15 January 2018
Due to a long term staff absence this role with the Scottish Crofting Federation has become available. Working as part...
SCF broadly welcomes Michael Gove’s views on future agricultural policy
9 January 2018
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has largely welcomed the Secretary of State for Environment, Michael Gove’s views on agriculture set...
Scottish Crofting Federation welcomes increase in provision for Crofting Commission
19 December 2017
SCF has welcomed the Scottish Government draft budget in which the Crofting Commission is due to see an increase in...
Crofters call on Scottish Government to reveal its plans for goose management in Uists
19 December 2017
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) Board and Council endorsed support for Uist crofters in their campaign for Scottish Government to...
SCF Photo Competition Winners
8 December 2017
SCF Photo Competition - Well done to everyone who took part, the winners have been selected and the winning images...
NEWS RELEASE: Crofters accuse Scottish Government of environmental neglect
28 November 2017
45 angry crofters at a Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) Uist meeting have accused the Scottish Government of ignoring the threat...
News Release: Crofting Federation offers proposals for taking crofting forward
20 November 2017
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has responded to the Scottish Government ‘Crofting Consultation 2017’ with a clear set of proposals...
SCF Response to Crofting Consultation 2017 – A consultation on the future of crofting law
20 November 2017
SCF Response to Crofting Consultation 2017 - A consultation on the future of crofting law Thank you for the opportunity...
Crofting Law Consultation 2017 closes at midnight
20 November 2017
The Crofting Law Consultation closes at midnight Monday 20th November. Responses can be made online here.
KYLE HQ OPEN DAY
15 November 2017
Drop in Crofting Surgery Thursday 16th November Drop In 10.30-12.30 or book an appointment 12.30-14.00- All Welcome
Shetland Crofters Open Meeting
8 November 2017
Hosted by SCF Chair, Russell Smith and CE Patrick Krause Wednesday 8th November Town Hall Chamber, Lerwick 7.00pm All welcome
News Release: There are opportunities for crofting agriculture and rural development post-Brexit says Federation
3 October 2017
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has sent a post-Brexit agriculture and rural development policy position outlining a vision for crofting...
DROP IN CROFTING SURGERY
29 September 2017
Call in to SCF Office, Kyle on Thursday 5th October 10.30-12.30 or if you would prefer an appointment call 01599...
SCF Post Brexit Position
29 September 2017
This paper sets out the initial thoughts of SCF on Post Brexit options for agricultural and rural development, including Trade;...
SCF welcomes government commitment to continue crofting legislation reform
29 August 2017
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the Scottish Government commitment to continue the process reforming crofting legislation within this...
CROFTING SURGERY KYLE THUR 31ST AUGUST
16 August 2017
SCF CROFTING SURGERY: Old and new members welcome. Tea and Coffee. WHERE: SCF Kyle HQ WHEN: Thursday 31st August Drop...
SCF perspective on the ewe hogg scheme
3 August 2017
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has broadly agreed with the NFUS on the necessity to curb the excessive claiming on...
Scottish Crofting Federation welcomes croft relets and urges more to be done
25 July 2017
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the Crofting Commission’s announcement that five croft tenancies have been relet to new...
YOUNG CROFTER RATE – NOW EXTENDED TO AGED 40 & UNDER
17 July 2017
At the recent SCF Board meeting it was agreed that the young crofter rate of £31.50 would be extended to...
CROFTING SURGERY – ULLAPOOL Tuesday 11th July
7 July 2017
The Scottish Crofting Federation invites you to its first Ullapool Crofting Surgery for SCF members and drop in session for...
PHOTO COMPETITION
7 July 2017
Crofting - the landscape, the people, the animals Our popular notecards, sold on the Scottish Crofting Enterprise website are running...
News Release: Scottish Crofting Federation welcomes Commission Convener
21 June 2017
Chair of the SCF, Russell Smith, said, “We are very pleased that a Convener has now been appointed and that...
Funded places on the Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme
15 June 2017
Newly available in the Highlands and Islands area is the hugely popular Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme. Applicants are being...
Crofting Federation quizzes party leaders on agricultural policy intentions
23 May 2017
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has written to all the main party leaders asking them to outline their intentions for...
Tick-borne Illness Campaign Scotland
22 May 2017
The Tick-borne Illness Campaign Scotland is focused on achieving better treatment for patients in Scotland with Lyme Disease and related...
CROFTING LAW CONFERENCE June 9th 2017
22 May 2017
This year’s conference, Chaired by Sir Crispin Agnew of Lochnaw, Bt. QC, will look at the Scottish Government’s proposals for...
Find out more about the Croft Woodlands Project
19 May 2017
Trees for the Crofting Community download here
Nourish Scotland – Making a Living from Local Food programme 2017
9 May 2017
Are you passionate about tasty, nutritious, locally and sustainably produced food? Are you in the process of setting up a...
PROTECTING THE INTERESTS OF THE RURAL ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT IN SCOTLAND
5 May 2017
Letter to stakeholders from Mr Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity and Ms Roseanna Cunningham...
Crofters have been cheated
28 March 2017
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has expressed deep disappointment at the Scottish Government decision to not introduce the planned Areas...
News Release: Crofting Federation sees hope, despite an uncertain future
21 March 2017
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) says crofting has a future despite the uncertainties of the coming years, but warns that...
Annual Gathering 2017 – presentations are available now
15 March 2017
The speakers’ presentations from Friday’s session at the Annual Gathering in Applecross are now available to view or download on...
Programme of SCF Annual Gathering “Crofting’s Place in Europe”
3 March 2017
Hartfield House Applecross Friday 10th - 11th March. See the full programme of events and speakers here (programme subject to...
Commission Election 2017 – What have the candidates got to say?
1 March 2017
We asked all the candidates why you should vote for them (150 words) See what they have to say here…..
SCF welcomes pledge of action plan for Commission governance
15 February 2017
SCF has welcomed the pledge by Scottish Government to put in place an action plan to address the failures highlighted...
Crofters gather to discuss implications of Brexit
7 February 2017
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) will hold its 2017 Annual Gathering, with the theme ‘Crofting’s Place in Europe’, on 10th...
SCF Annual Gathering 2017
6 February 2017
SCF will hold its 2017 Annual Gathering, with the theme Crofting’s Place in Europe, on 10th and 11th March, noon...
Crofting Federation cheered by number of candidates for commission elections
1 February 2017
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) welcomed the high number of nominations for the Crofting Commission elections citing it as a...
Young crofters struggle to get started due to land prices and lack of finance
1 February 2017
The Scottish Crofting Federation Young Crofters say that the lack of access to land and finance affect them too, in...
Support to crofting agriculture
31 January 2017
My writing in 2016 was taken up, to a larger extent than would have been hoped for, with the issues...
Does the croft house grant scheme work?
31 January 2017
There has been a commotion in the media lately concerning the Croft House Grant Scheme. It is quite understandable that...
SCF calls on women and youth to stand for election
17 January 2017
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) is appealing to crofters, especially women and young crofters, to stand as candidates for the...
SCF New Year’s Resolutions 2017
13 January 2017
There are two ‘legs’ to SCF’s work: representation and development. Representation The Scottish Crofting Federation is the only organisation dedicated...
Happy New Year to all our members: We hope to see many young folk and women standing for election as Commissioner. Don’t forget the closing date for nominations – Thursday 26th January
11 January 2017
Read more…
Crofting: a year past, the future to fight for
22 December 2016
At this time of year we look back over the past twelve months at what has happened and been achieved,...
SCF’s new chair urges crofters to “stand together under one banner”.
20 December 2016
The newly appointed chair of the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) outlined his plans for the work the SCF has to...
Operation Brexit
7 December 2016
Everything we do, everything we plan, all conversation about development, is now done relative to what the situation will be...
Crofting Federation welcomes review of Commission
15 November 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the review of the Crofting Commission recently initiated by Scottish Government, stating that...
SCF Calls On Scottish Government To Oust Convener
10 October 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has called on the Cabinet Secretary for crofting, Fergus Ewing, to halt the waste of...
Commission Convener’s Position A Farce
4 October 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) have expressed bewilderment that the Convener of the Crofting Commission is still in place despite...
Federation Urges Crofters To Take Government Loan
4 October 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has urged crofters to take the Scottish Government agricultural payments loan, despite the confusion caused...
Comment From SCF On Events At Commission’s Board Meeting
28 September 2016
SCF chair Fiona Mandeville said: “Surely now the convener will do what he should have done weeks ago – stand...
SCF Welcomes Prospect Of Commission Apology
22 September 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the news that Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing has told the Crofting Commission to...
Deep Concern That Constable Is Still In Place
20 September 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has written to the cabinet secretary for crofting, Fergus Ewing MSP, expressing deep concern that...
SCF Regrets The Loss Of Commission’s Helm
7 September 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) have expressed good wishes to Catriona MacLean, the CEO of the Crofting Commission, who is...
SCF And Sleat Grazings Committee Meet To Discuss Future Of Commission
6 September 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) met last week with crofting representatives of Sleat, Skye, to discuss proposals to replace the...
SCF Welcomes Ewing’s Intervention
19 August 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the intervention of rural affairs secretary Fergus Ewing in his letter to Colin...
Commission Can Stay But Convener Has To Go
8 August 2016
A meeting attended by eighty crofters in Stornoway concluded that a Crofting Commission is good for crofting, but it is...
SCF Meeting for Lewis and Harris Crofters
2 August 2016
A meeting will be held on Wednesday 3rd August in Stornoway Town Hall from 7.00 - 9.30 pm to discuss...
SCF says it is time for the Commission Convener to Resign
27 July 2016
The SCF has called for the resignation of the convener of the Crofting Commission following the exposure of the Commission...
Community renewables an excellent model for Townships
22 July 2016
Broom Power, a proposed micro hydro scheme near Ullapool, which was registered last year may be the last venture entirely...
Calling All Women In Agriculture
7 July 2016
The Scottish Government has commissioned research to build a picture of the role women play in agriculture across Scotland. Research...
SCF Meets Cabinet Secretary To Discuss Urgent Issues
29 June 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) met with Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary with remit for crofting, yesterday to discuss the big...
SCF Reiterates Call For Review
17 June 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has reiterated its call on Scottish Ministers to intervene in the crofting common grazings debacle...
Job Opportunity
6 June 2016
We are currently looking for Training and Development Managers and Training Administrators. The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF), is the only...
The Spirit of the Law
25 May 2016
The inexplicable case of a public body confusing legal dogma with good sense The Crofting Commission website says “The Crofting...
Fraud Alert
25 May 2016
A potential fraud targeting farmers and crofters has been drawn to the attention of the Scottish Government today. Victims receive...
SCF Prompts New Crofting Minister On Urgent Business
19 May 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the new minister for crofting, Fergus Ewing MSP, and calls on him to...
Crofters Meeting Marred By ‘A Menacing Presence’
18 May 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has expressed astonishment that the convener of the Crofting Commission attended the Mangersta grazings ‘closed’...
SAF Deadline Extended
11 May 2016
The Scottish deadline for submitting Single Application Forms (SAF) for farm (and croft) funding has been extended by one month...
Crofters’ Outrage At Crofting Commission Behaviour Intensifies
10 May 2016
Crofters’ outrage at the treatment grazings committees are receiving from the Crofting Commission is escalating as another constable is appointed...
Crofters Perplexed At Commission Behaviour
3 May 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has expressed bafflement at the recent behaviour of the Crofting Commission in which it seems...
Letter to the Minister of the Environment
29 April 2016
Open letter from SCF to Minister regarding commission behaviour. Read more ....
Open letter to the Crofting Commission
29 April 2016
Open letter from SCF board to commissioners regarding the treatment of grazings committees. Read more…
Crofting grazings put in jeopardy
29 April 2016
Article from Hebridean Events by Patrick Krause, SCF Chief Executive. You may recall my column last month ‘Crofting Under Attack’,...
SCF Welcomes SNP Pledge To Action Crofting Priorities
26 April 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the recently published SNP manifesto pledges which respond to the ‘Five Actions for...
SCF Calls On Commission To Explain Directive
20 April 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has called on the Crofting Commission to explain its extraordinary decision to dissolve a grazings...
AECS Application Deadline Extended To Monday 25 April
20 April 2016
The Rural Payments and Inspections Division has today, Wednesday 20th April, announced that the deadline for submitting applications has been...
Crofters Are Warned Of Drop In Sheep Payment
5 April 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has learned that crofters are being informally warned by government officials to not expect the...
Highland Self-Build Loans Available
4 April 2016
Looking to build a home in the Highlands? Applications are now being accepted for a £4m loan fund, the Highland...
SCF REJECTS VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF SCOTTISH AGRICULTURE
29 March 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has rejected the Scottish Government’s published vision for the future of Scottish agriculture on the...
FIVE ACTIONS FOR CROFTING
24 March 2016
With the commencement of the campaigns for the Scottish elections, the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) is challenging political parties to...
LFASS LETTER PANNED
17 March 2016
Some crofters have been “confused and concerned” by a Scottish Government letter regarding payments to be made under the government’s...
Local Meetings
19 February 2016
SCF is coming to Barra and Benbecula! On Wednesday 24th February and Thursday 25th February, SCF will be hosting local...
Young Crofters Angry At Delay In Payments
3 February 2016
The shambolic distribution of the new Basic Payments Scheme has angered young crofters as it appears only around 1% of...
Meeting With Lochhead Does Not Allay The Fears Of Crofters
3 February 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) was not satisfied by the explanations and solutions offered by the Cabinet Secretary for Rural...
SCF Welcomes House Grant Uplift
3 February 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the interim outcome of the review of the Croft House Grant Scheme and...
CROFTING IS SYSTEMATICALLY MARGINALISED SAYS FEDERATION
26 January 2016
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has reproached the Scottish Government for systematically marginalising crofting in agricultural policy. “Most of the...
CROFTERS ARE NOT GETTING PAID OR INFORMED SCF SURVEY SHOWS
25 January 2016
A survey carried out by the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) indicates a Scottish Government melt-down as around one percent of...
The Future of Crofting conference
11 December 2015
‘The Future of Crofting’, a conference held in Inverness recently to look at progress made on crofting reform in the...
SCF RESOLUTELY OPPOSED TO INTRODUCTION OF LYNX
5 November 2015
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has expressed strong opposition to proposals to introduce lynx to the wild in Scotland. An...
Crofting Roadshow 2015
22 October 2015
Are you a crofter, or an aspiring crofter?Then join us at the next Crofting Roadshow on Tuesday, 3rd November 2015...
SMALL UNITS OF LAND ARE AT THE HEART OF ‘COMMON GOOD’ SAYS CROFTING FEDERATION
4 September 2015
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) is in favour of land reform in Scotland according to their submission to the Scottish...
A short film by SCF Young Crofters
26 August 2015
A short film made by the SCF Young Crofters 'Crofting's' New Voices' can be viewed here .
Crofters face further hardship due to weather says SCF
28 July 2015
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has renewed calls to crofters to keep Scottish Government informed regarding the potential consequences of...
SCF slams re-wilding proposals
28 July 2015
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has strongly opposed the ‘re-wilding’ of Scotland and the UK proposed recently by species-reintroduction lobbyists."The...
SCF gives cautious reaction to election of commission convener.
25 June 2015
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has cautiously welcomed the election of a new Crofting Commission convener, warning of a long...
CROFTERS FACE CRISIS DUE TO WEATHER
24 June 2015
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has alerted the Scottish Government to the plight of crofters’ livestock due to the lack...
Crofting representative’s contribution recognised
16 June 2015
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) gives tribute to one of their own, Neil MacLeod from Stornoway, in being recognised "for...
Vacant Owner-Occupied Croft in the Inverness Area
3 June 2015
SCF has been approached by Andrew Grant who is looking to sell his 11 acre croft in Muir of Ord...
Pesticides Disposal Scheme – deadline for new requests this Friday
28 May 2015
The phone line for the Scottish Pesticides Disposal Scheme, giving people the opportunity to dispose of certain banned pesticides safely...
Open Prestentation on the Skye and Lochalsh Micro Abattoir Project
28 May 2015
The skye and Lochalsh Meat Supply Group is to hold an open presentation on Tues 2nd June 2015 at 7...
Young crofters add their voice to the Federation
30 April 2015
A group of young crofters are set to form a branch of the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) in order to...
Crofting Federation ‘cautious welcome’ for new sea eagle scheme
30 April 2015
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has given a cautious welcome to the Scottish Government’s new sea eagle management scheme. The scheme...
SCF Meeting in Assynt gives birth to Young Crofters movement
24 March 2015
A gathering of young crofters organised by the Scottish Crofting Federation in Assynt last weekend (19th-21st March) attracted more than...
Protection of croft land is paramount says SCF
24 February 2015
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has renewed its criticisms of a proposed speculative housing development on croft land in Lochaber.The...
Crofting Law Group – Final report “The Sump” published
4 February 2015
The Crofting Law Group have published their final report on 'The Sump', they collected significant issues and problems within existing...
Workshop in Social Farming/Crofting
2 February 2015
Care farming or social farming combines the care of the land with the care of people. A care farm is...
Calling Young and Aspiring Crofters
16 January 2015
SCF Gathering 2015: A Gathering of Young Crofters As the "Gathering of Young Crofters" was postponed due to a series...
CHGS Review does not go far enough
13 January 2015
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has provisionally welcomed a review of the Croft House Grant Scheme (CHGS) as long over-due...
New SCF Chair
15 December 2014
The outgoing SCF Chair Derek Flyn being presented with a cromag by Fiona Mandeville the new SCF Chair. Derek will...
CAP Regionalisation: SCF urges crofters “if in doubt, shout”
25 November 2014
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) is urging crofters to speak up if in any doubt about their region allocation for...
HIE leaflets on crofting
31 October 2014
Highlands and Islands Enterprise has recently produced two leaflets about crofting. One leaflet covers the Crofting Community Right to Buy....
SCF response to questionnaire on Scotland’s National Food & Drink Policy
22 October 2014
SCF response to questionnaire as part of a consultation on Scotland’s National Food & Drink Policy
SCF urges crofters to respond to census
22 October 2014
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has endorsed the ‘Crofting Census’ which will be launched this week by the Crofting Commission...
Pitiful CAP budget for Scotland
5 September 2014
Letter published in the West Highland Free Press written by Patrick Krause, SCF Chief Excutive, about the allocation of the...
Goose Petition Update
2 September 2014
Letter from Rob Gibson MSP to Paul Wheelhouse MSP regarding the SCF Goose petition Read more . . .
SCF Goose Petition Heard by Rural Affairs Committee
24 June 2014
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) appeared before the Scottish Parliament Rural Affairs Committee to support the petition raised by the...
Skye and Lochalsh Micro Abattoir Consumer Survey
18 June 2014
Skye & Lochalsh Meat Supply Group is taking forward a proposal to establish a Micro Abattoir Unit for the area....
Crofters Fear They Are Being Sacrificed
18 June 2014
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has an initial “apprehensive” response from its members regarding the recent announcement of the new...
Crofters’ Training Seminar “Joins Up The Dots”
18 June 2014
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) ran a very well-received debut intermediate-level crofting training seminar in Newtonmore last week on ‘Sustain,...
Skye and Lochalsh Abattoir Moves Forward
3 June 2014
An abattoir for the Skye and Lochalsh area has moved a significant step closer with the engagement of a project...
Highland Folk Museum Opens Its Doors to Crofters
9 May 2014
The Scottish Crofting Federation will be running their first diversification seminar “Sustain, Diversify and Grow” at the Highland Folk Museum...
Enterprising Crofters Showcase Their Goods
8 April 2014
The Scottish Crofting Federation has announced the launch of a new website http://www.scottishcroftingenterprise.co.uk which showcases food, crafts and holidays available...
Crofters Take Care of some of Scotland’s Finest Land
1 April 2014
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) have pointed out that crofters look after some of Scotland’s most precious environment and deserve...
Crofters are Being Set Up to Take the Hit
25 March 2014
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) questions the low figures quoted for crofting support and urge crofters to speak out in...
Crofters Need to Stand Against “The Big Boys” says their Federation
18 March 2014
On the back of recent gains, the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has appealed to crofters to come out and provide...
Crofters say Government are playing fast and loose with facts
19 February 2014
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) says Scottish Government officials seem to be "playing fast and loose with the facts" as...
“Hands off the Crofters’ Scheme” says the Crofting Federation
11 February 2014
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) is calling on crofters to defend their right to a croft-only agricultural support scheme under...
Crofters warned to speak up or get shafted
4 February 2014
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) is warning all crofters to respond to the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) consultations or risk...
SCF Welcomes Community Mapping Support
31 January 2014
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the news that Scottish Government and Registers of Scotland (RoS) are co-funding a...
Crofters Registration
1 January 2014
Please download the form for registering your interest in becoming a tenant of a croft
Crofters Between a Rock and a Hard Place on CAP Funding Transfer
17 December 2013
Crofters are “between a rock and a hard place” says the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) in its response to the...
Crofters Say No to the Duty to Report on Neighbours’ Crofts
10 December 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) submitted its response to the Crofting Commission consultation on the ‘Duty to Report’ with a...
SCF response to Duty to Report
7 December 2013
SCF response to the Duty To Report Form issued by the Crofting Commission for consultation.
Crofters warned to watch out for two-legged predators
3 December 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has issued a warning to crofters to watch out for predatory practices by “experts” regarding...
Crofting Register: when to register a croft
3 December 2013
Between 30 November 2012 and 29 November 2013 the Crofting Register is open for the registration of voluntary applications. These...
Mapping “wildness”; restriction by design if not yet designation
20 November 2013
A quick look at the SNH map of “core wild areas”, which has been recently consulted on, suggests that vast...
Scottish Crofters’ Voice Joins Outrage over CAP Cash Heist
11 November 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) joined the widespread calls for justice over the allocation of CAP ‘uplift’ funds that rightfully...
Crofters’ Voice Heard in Parliament Regarding Goose Petition
29 October 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) appeared before the Scottish Parliamentary Petitions Committee today (Tuesday) to defend its call for the...
Government Failing to Provide Answers to Torridon Planning Controversy, says SCF
29 October 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation has voiced its concern that the Scottish Government’s planning system is undermining crofting law after the...
Crofting Federation Questions Scottish Government Land Sale Policy
18 October 2013
Following the Scottish Government's decision this week to withdraw part of its Rosal forest estate in Sutherland from open market...
Crofters’ Conference Highlights the Plight of Common Grazings
24 September 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation’s conference for 2013 “Common Grazings: Utilising Potential”, held in Stornoway, brought the potential of common grazings...
SCF Welcomes Continuation of Crofting Support Schemes
24 September 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead’s announcement that the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grant Scheme (CCAGS)...
“Tell the Government what you think about their Goose Policy” SCF says to Crofters and Farmers
28 August 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) is encouraging crofters and farmers to sign up to the on-line petition raised in the...
Crofters say to Government: ‘Reconsider Torridon’
22 August 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has written directly to the Scottish Government’s minister for local government and planning, to ask...
SCF Concerns over Torridon Croft House Planning Refusal
29 July 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has voiced concern over the refusal by the Highland Council and Scottish Government to grant...
Cabinet Minister talks about Scottish independence and agriculture
29 July 2013
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead gave a talk at theRoyal Highland Show on independence and how it would...
SCF Disappointed with Scottish Government Marine Imposition
23 July 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has expressed disappointment at the Scottish Government’s decision to impose a marine Special Area of...
Scottish Crofting Federation Launches Goose Petition
17 July 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has raised an on-line petition in the Scottish Parliament urging the Scottish Government to review...
SCF Welcomes Rejection of Controversial Lochaber Decrofting
10 July 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation has welcomed the Crofting Commission's decision to reject as incompetent a controversial decrofting application in Lochaber...
Crofting Skills Training Opportunities
10 June 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation is pleased to announce the appointment of a partnership that will run their Crofting Skills Training...
Skye and Lochalsh Abattoir could be viable says Report
3 June 2013
A study commissioned by Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) and carried out by SAC Consulting has given a positive view of...
Situation Vacant- Hungry for Rights Training Tutor/Facilitator
16 May 2013
Self-employed Training Tutor/ Facilitator 0.5 FTE £22,680 - £25,200 pa pro-rata for 28 months The Scottish Crofting Federation requires a...
Crofters Urge Crofting Commission to Block Croft Land Speculation
10 May 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation is calling on the Crofting Commission to act to prevent a “blatant speculative development” on croft...
Meeting of the Scottish Parliament March 12th 2013
1 May 2013
The Deputy Presiding Officer (John Scott): The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S4M-04411, in...
Uist Crofters Warn of Imminent Catastrophe
4 April 2013
Crofting in the Uists is under threat from a goose population rising out of control, public meetings held by the...
SCF Welcome Action on Crofting Legislation Glitch
29 March 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the announcement from Minister for Environment, Paul Wheelhouse, that a bill will be...
Situation Vacant- SCF Training Project Manager
28 March 2013
SCF requires a full-time training manager, based within the Highlands and Islands, for the coordination of the SCF's 'Crofters &...
SCF Fights for Improved Crofters’ Grant Scheme
26 March 2013
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has emphasised the need for a grant scheme specific to crofting in the next round of...
The First Croft is Registered
21 March 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) congratulates the first crofter to have his croft put on the Crofting Register. Donald Murdie...
SCF Urge Minister to Act on Legal Glitch
21 March 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) met with Scottish Government yesterday to urge a rapid resolution to the owner-occupier crofter decrofting...
SCF Launches Crofters’ Legal Helpline
11 March 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has launched a legal helpline for its members, in partnership with well-known crofting law firm...
Crofting Federation Delight at Raasay U-turn
28 February 2013
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has expressed its delight at the Scottish Government’s decision announced today to restore the shooting and...
Crofting Commission Called on to Re-assure Owner-Occupier Crofters
26 February 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) have called on the Crofting Commission to sort out the confusion regarding a legislation glitch...
SCF Call for U-turn on Raasay Shooting Rights
26 February 2013
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has called for the Scottish Government to reverse its decision to deprive the community on the...
SRDP Discussion paper
4 February 2013
This report is produced to provide relevant information to the Scottish Government on the issues for crofting in the context...
Crofters urge rejection of the Sound of Barra marine designation
17 January 2013
The Scottish Crofting Federation is urging the Scottish Government to turn down the proposal that the Sound of Barra should...
SCF call on land reform gurus to support the creation of new crofts
17 January 2013
In their response to the Land Reform Review Group ‘call for evidence’ the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has reiterated its...
SCF response to the Land Reform Review Group call for evidence
17 January 2013
Thank you for inviting the Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF) to contribute to your deliberations on land reform in Scotland. SCF...
Submission to the Land Reform Review Group
13 January 2013
The Woodland Crofts Partnership (WCP) is a partnership of 3 third-sector organisations seeking to promote and develop woodland crofts. It...
Upcoming local meetings
9 January 2013
Monday 14th January, Ben Nevis Auction Mart , 7.30 pm The Crofting Register & Community Mapping with SCF’s Patrick Krause...
Public E-consultation on farming red tape
19 December 2012
Log on to have a say on farm red tape12/12/2012 The next phase of the Scottish Government’s review of farming...
SCF Call on Ministers to Make Land Available for Crofts
26 November 2012
At their Woodland Crofts workshop held in Gairloch last Thursday, The Scottish Crofting Federation met support for their call to...
A United Front is needed on EID
11 October 2012
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has renewed its call to sort out the impracticability and injustice of individual electronic identification...
New Partnership to Drive Woodland Crofts Forward
28 September 2012
Three community-based organisations are joining forces in a new push to promote and develop woodland crofts. The Scottish Crofting Federation,...
SCF Croft Register of Interest
28 September 2012
The Scottish Crofting Federation wishes to maintain a register of people who are interested in obtaining a croft. This register...
SCF Welcomes New Crofting Commission Convenor
26 September 2012
The Scottish Crofting Federation welcomes the appointment of the new convenor to the Crofting Commission. Derek Flyn, Chair of the...
Concern About Cost of New Crofting Register
24 September 2012
Delegates at the annual Crofting Law Group conference held in Portree last Friday (21 September) were shown progress towards the...
“Sort out your succession” crofters urged
18 September 2012
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has warned crofters to make arrangements for their croft succession without delay. The warning follows the...
Study to Look at Option for Skye & Lochalsh Abattoir
31 August 2012
In 2011 Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) formed a working group to look at ways of providing an abattoir service for...
Connecting Coastal Communities
14 August 2012
This exploratory work asks questions about the deeper nature of conflict that two separate Gaelic-speaking island communities - one in...
Direct Payments on Common Grazings
9 August 2012
1. Executive summaryCommon grazings are important for the delivery of public goods in Scotland and for 20% of IACS businesses,...
UK Food Sovereignty Declaration
9 August 2012
Transforming our food System.We have come together to form a movement for Food Sovereignty in the UK Food Sovereignty is...
SCF Launches Horticulture Handbook
30 July 2012
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) will this week launch its latest publication. Horticulture: a Handbook for Crofters is a 175-page...
Study to look at options Skye and Lochalsh abattoir
16 July 2012
Last year Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) formed a working group to look at ways of providing an abattoir service for...
Horticulture: A handbook for Crofters
11 July 2012
Available soon! Horticulture: a Handbook for Crofters and other small producers in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. A guide...
Isle of Rum Croft to Let
6 June 2012
The Isle of Rum Community Trust has one bare land croft available. This is an exciting time to be part...
SCF QUESTIONS THE COSTS OF CUTTING KEY LOCHABER FERRY SERVICE
11 April 2012
The Scottish Crofting Federation has written to the Scottish Government asking for urgent clarification of their proposed “replacement” for the...
SCF SAY COMMISSION SHOULD ELECT ITS OWN CONVENOR
30 March 2012
The Scottish Crofting Federation is calling on the Minister for Environment Stewart Stevenson to let the new Crofting Commission elect...
SCOTTISH EDUCATION SECRETARY HAILS CROFT TRAINING PROGRAMME
30 March 2012
The Scottish Government's Education Secretary has hailed the success of a training programme for crofting which has been attended by...
SCF criticises “lamentable” Government ferry review
20 March 2012
The Scottish Crofting Federation has said that the Scottish Government’s ferry review displays a “lamentable lack of understanding of the...
GMOs won’t feed us – diverse seeds will: UK conference makes clear call against GMOs
20 March 2012
Farmers, crofters, activists and NGOs who gathered at the 7th European conference of Let’s Liberate Diversity have restated their commitment...
CHALLENGING EUROPE’S SEED CARTELS AND GMOS
2 March 2012
GMOs, patenting and legal restrictions on farm-saved seed have made the seeds of our food crops a hotly contested and...
Excellent job opportunity with the Natural Vegetable Company
2 March 2012
The Natural Vegetable Company (http://www.natvegco.com) was established ten years ago to grow and trade in organically grown produce in the...
CROFTERS URGED “USE YOUR VOTE”
29 February 2012
Crofters should now have received their ballot papers for the Crofting Commission elections and completed papers must be posted to...
Plans to scrap Ardnamurchan vehicle ferry service could cripple local economy, say crofters
27 February 2012
Crofters in the west of Lochaber are urging the Scottish Government to reconsider a proposal to withdraw the vehicle ferry...
Croft to Let – Fair Isle, Shetland
9 February 2012
CROFT TO LET:STONEYBREK,FAIR ISLE,SHETLAND This National Trust for Scotland owned croft and associated house will be available to let in...
Letter to Keith Brown MSP
1 February 2012
Dear MinisterWithdrawal of RET for hauliersThe Western Isles has more than one-third of all the registered crofts in Scotland which...
Crofters welcome delegation representing flood hit region of Pakistan
25 January 2012
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) recently welcomed a delegation representing a Highland area of Pakistan whose people are rebuilding their...
SCF Warns Government that RET Proposals Could Lead to an Economic Landslide in the Western Isles
18 January 2012
The Scottish Crofting Federation is warning the Government to urgently rethink plans to scrap Road Equivalent Tariff for commercial vehicles...
SCF Criticises Lack of Information on Crofting Elections
17 January 2012
The Scottish Crofting Federation has expressed disappointment at the lack of official information provided for candidates who are seeking election...
West Coast Landslip Emphasises Need For Skye and Lochalsh Abattoir, Says SCF
17 January 2012
The landslip which has blocked the A890 road at Stromeferry for almost a month emphasises the need for an abattoir...
SCF BOARD CHANGE
17 January 2012
Eleanor Arthur has had to resign from the board of SCF for health reasons. She needs rest to recuperate and...
Crofters to mark the death of pioneering agricultural scientist Erna Bennett
11 January 2012
Erna Bennett, an Irish scientist whose pioneering work on agricultural biodiversity has contributed to raising awareness of the importance of...
SCF ENCOURAGES CROFTERS TO SEIZE HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY
10 January 2012
Anyone intending to be a candidate in the election to the new Crofting Commission must be nominated before the end...
Government must clarify future support to island hauliers post-RET
22 December 2011
The Scottish Crofting Federation want the Scottish Government to clarify, as a matter of urgency, how they are going to...
Market research indicates significant opportunities for ‘crofting’ branded produce
22 December 2011
‘Crofts’ and ‘crofting’ are terms understood by nearly four fifths of the population of Scotland with a third to a...
Ardnamurchan celebrates a new crofting dawn with training course success
22 December 2011
An area of north-west Scotland which became well-known a quarter of a century ago for depopulation and the erosion of...
Call for the creation of a crofting support programme
22 December 2011
The call for a comprehensive, stand-alone crofting support programme to be a key element of Scotland’s future rural development policies...
Further retreat from the crofting hills evidence of need for agri-reform say crofters
22 December 2011
The Scottish Crofting Federation say that a new report on the state of upland agriculture in Scotland shows that there...
Crofters raise the banner in Euro-seed protest
22 December 2011
Crofting was raising the banner during a recent protest in Europe against legislation which agriculturalists fear will be a tax...
INTERNATIONAL EVIDENCE THAT SCOTTISH AGRICULTURAL POLICY NEEDS RADICAL CHANGE OF DIRECTION, SAY SCF
22 December 2011
Crofters claim that a senior Scottish National Party Euro-politician’s remarks on the need to do away with ‘business-as-usual’ farming throw...
STOCK CLUBS COULD BE ANSWER TO DECLINE OF HILL LIVESTOCK
22 December 2011
Crofters’ stock clubs could be an answer to the loss of livestock, especially sheep, from the hills and moors of...
Lantra in Scotland
24 November 2011
The land-based and environmental industry in Scotland has around 24,500 businesses, 115,700 employees and 40,000 volunteers. In fact, agriculture alone...
Crofting redirection and redefinition required?
3 November 2011
byJohn MacKintosh FRAgS Address given at the SCF Annual gathering in October 2011 Chairman, Ladies and GentlemenWe have just come...
Crofters claim chemical ban fuels wildfire risk
22 September 2011
A decision by the European Union to ban asulam, one of the most cost effective and selective chemicals available to...
Unsettled Weather Ahead
4 September 2011
Read more…
Invitation to Tender
25 August 2011
INVITATION TO TENDER FOR PRELIMINARY WORK Background The Skye & Lochalsh area has now been without abattoir facilities for nearly...
Residential Course for Aspiring Crofters
23 August 2011
The Scottish Crofting Federation has been helping new and would be crofters to make a strong start in crofting for...
Woodland Crofts Progress Report
16 August 2011
WOODLAND CROFTSProgress Report to the Woodland Crofts Implementation GroupJuly 2011Jamie McIntyreWoodland Crofts Project OfficerHIE Community Assets Team
Nominations for Appointment of SCF Directors
11 August 2011
Each year one third of the SCF Board of Directors need to be replaced by rotation. Also directors retire for...
SCF Annual Gathering – October 2011
9 August 2011
SCF Annual Gathering- October 2011"1886 and all that"Sabhal Mòr Ostaig,Sleat, Isle of Skye3rd and 4th of October 2011(lunchtime to lunchtime)The...
Renewable Energy and Beef Scheme Announcements
8 August 2011
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed the announcement by Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead of a strategy to assist crofters...
Argyll and Bute Local Plan
20 July 2011
CROFTING FEDERATION SAYS PROPOSED ARGYLL PLANNING POLICY WILL PENALISE GENUINE CROFTERS The proposed Argyll & Bute Local Development Plan will...
Crofting Skills Training Opportunities
11 July 2011
The Scottish Crofting Federation is running a series of practical training courses for people interested in developing rural skills throughout...
New Croft Woodlands Handbook Launched
28 June 2011
A new guide for crofters, communities and small woodland owners, “Managing Small Woodlands in the Highlands and Islands”, was launched...
Crofters Celebrate the Fruits of ‘Mother Earth’
28 June 2011
A delegation of crofters have recently returned from Arctic Sweden where they attended a celebration of indigenous food cultures from...
Crofters say SNH Report Provides Evidence of Agricultural Policy Failure
28 June 2011
The Scottish Crofting Federation claim that a new report by Scottish Natural Heritage, which details the negative effects of undergrazing...
Crofting Flavour Saving
21 June 2011
Scottish Crofting Produce enters Slow Food UK Ark of Taste Traditional Scottish foods are dying out in the rush for...
Renewable Energy for Crofters
20 June 2011
The Scottish Crofting Federation is organising a one-day event about renewable energy for crofters and crofting communities. Opportunities to develop...
SCF Calls for a more affordable meat inspection regime
7 June 2011
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has backed calls from the meat and livestock industry for a devolved meat inspection regime...
Meeting on the Isle of Skye to learn about ‘Peoples of the Land and Sea’
19 May 2011
Next week people on the Isle of Skye will have a chance to learn about the ways of life of...
The Young Crofters Revolution – Vote Now
10 May 2011
The Scottish Crofting Federation are asking members of the public to sign up for a revolution by voting for a...
Wildfires Prompt Appeal By Crofters
3 May 2011
A spate of devastating wildfires in the west Highlands during the last two weeks gives added urgency to the need...
SCF Call on the Next Scottish Government
19 April 2011
SCF CALL ON THE NEXT SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT TO MAKE CROFTING THE MODEL FOR ALL OF RURAL SCOTLAND In the run-up...
SCF Condemns Skye New Crofts Decision
19 April 2011
The Crofters Commission‘s decision to ignore local opinion and approve the creation of three new crofts on poor quality land...
Article comparing photographs of crofts in Skye and Lochalsh
15 March 2011
Extract from Rohde, R.F. (2010 in press) Written on the surface of the soil: west Highland crofting landscapes during the...
Vodafone Assist Crofters in Attending Major International Conference
3 February 2011
The Scottish Crofting Federation will have the chance to send a delegation to attend a major international conference on food...
Response to Land Use Consultation
21 December 2010
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has submitted its response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on Land Use Strategy. SCF Chair...
Minister “badly advised” on Implications of Open Market Sale
5 November 2010
The Scottish Crofting Federation is staggered at the apparent lack of understanding shown by Environment Rosanna Cunningham of the serious...
Crofters Aghast at Rare-Breed Cattle Sell-Out by Scottish Government
5 November 2010
The Scottish Crofting Federation have denounced the proposed selling off of a rare and unique herd of Shetland Cattle by...
Sustainable Livestock Bill
2 November 2010
There is a Sustainable Livestock Bill progressing through Westminster – it has its 2nd reading on the 12th of Nov....
Wildfires: Prevention Better than Cure
30 October 2010
Large, intense wildfires pose a threat to people, farms, forests, and conservation interests. They are dangerous and expensive to put...
SCF Training Manager Situation Vacant
12 October 2010
Funded by the Scottish Government’s SRDP Skills Development Scheme; Highlands & Islands Enterprise and Scottish Natural Heritage the SCF is...
SCF Calls on Ministers to Back Pairc Crofters
5 October 2010
Scottish Crofting Federation has called upon the Scottish Ministers to approve the contested community buyout of crofting land in Pairc,...
SCF Launches New training Pilot for Crofters and Small Landholders
16 September 2010
On its 25th anniversary Annual Gathering in Oban, the Scottish Crofting Federation is launching a new pilot programme of skills...
One Size Doesn’t Fit All – The Scotttish Crofting Federation’s Silver Jubilee Message
8 September 2010
The unique nature and identity of crofters and crofting will be celebrated at the Scottish Crofting Federation’s Annual Gathering in...
What should the priorities be for rural Scotland?
3 September 2010
The Scottish Government are using the Rural Network website to gather responses to their Speak Up for Rural Scotland consultation....
SCF Trials Mutton Pies at Black Isle Show
26 July 2010
Mutton pies are making an appearance at the Black Isle show this year, courtesy of the Scottish Crofting Federation. (SCF)...
CROFTERS WILL CARRY ON REGARDLESS
2 July 2010
The Scottish Crofting Federation have greeted the Crofting Reform Bill, voted through Parliament yesterday, as ‘a double edged sword’ but...
Crofter’s Pie Will be the New Scotch Pie
28 June 2010
The Scottish Crofting Federation put their plans for a range of crofters’ pies before Environment minister Roseanna Cunningham at the...
Croft Produce Showcased In Goumet Buffet at Royal Highland Show
28 June 2010
A Western Isles chef has been selected by the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) to showcase the finest in croft produce...
EXPANDING MUTTON MARKET WOULD HELP PRESERVE ENVIRONMENT, SAY ISLAND CROFTERS
10 June 2010
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has backed calls by island crofters for an expansion in the market for mutton. Western...
RENEWABLES, AN OPPORTUNITY WASTED ASK SCF
9 June 2010
A question of insurmountable hurdles was left as a conclusion to a seminar on small-scale renewable energy production held by...
SCF APPOINT NEW CHAIR
9 June 2010
The Scottish Crofting Federation appointed their new Chair, Eleanor Arthur, at their AGM held on Saturday 5th June in Balmacara....
CROFTERS’ STUDY TOUR RESPONDS TO INCREASING DEMAND FOR SOFT FRUIT
7 June 2010
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has responded to the increasing demand for soft fruit in remote areas of the crofting...
SCF ADDRESSES INTERNATIONAL BIODIVERSITY CONFERENCE
25 May 2010
The Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF), the only member-led organisation dedicated to promoting crofting took part this week in the International...
SCF warn that Croft Register Plan could rob crofters of their rights
17 May 2010
The Scottish Crofting Federation have warned that the Scottish Government plan for a compulsory register of croft-land could lead to...
SCF PRAISE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT DILIGENCE
6 May 2010
The Scottish Crofting Federation have welcomed the publication of the Scottish parliament Rural Affairs and Environment Committee’s report on their...
SCF CRITICISE CROFTING REGISTER PLANS AS ‘JUST WRONG’
16 March 2010
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) have issued a clear rejection of the Scottish Government’s plans for the crofting register in...
SCF response to the Pack interim report
15 March 2010
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the interim report of the Inquiry into future support for agriculture in...
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS MEAT MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CROFTERS
9 March 2010
A conference entitled ‘Marketing Meat from the Croft’ organised by the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) took place last week in...
CROFTING, COMMONS AND COMMUNITIES
9 March 2010
Delegates from the Scottish Crofting Federation were in the north of England on the 23rd of February to attend a...
Iain MacKinnon comment on Brian Wilson article
9 March 2010
A charaid,In his column last week (WHFP1673) Brian Wilson highlighted Crispin Agnew's contribution to the crofting reform process at the...
Patrick Krause comment on Brian Wilson Article
24 February 2010
Dear Sir,I agree with Brian Wilson (WHFP 19th February) that Sir Crispin Agnew does indeed have some bizarre views on...
Brian Wilson writes in The West Highland Free Press
24 February 2010
I am grateful to Sir Crispin Agnew of Lochnaw, chief of the Clan Agnew and Rothesay Herald to the Lord...
SCOTTISH CROFTING FEDERATION SCEPTICAL OF BULL HIRE REPRIEVE
15 February 2010
SCF Parliamentary Spokesman Norman Leask said, “The reprieve of this essential and valued scheme is welcome, as is the news...
SCF evidence to the RAEC
8 February 2010
SCF Evidence to the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee of the Scottish Parliament regarding the Crofting Reform Bill as introduced...
CLARITY NEEDED FROM GOVERNMENT ON CROFT HOUSE LOAN INTEREST
3 February 2010
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has called on the Scottish Government to explain in full to crofters the implications of...
SCF Crofting Induction Courses – 2010
14 January 2010
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE COURSES IN DINGWALL, GRANTON ON SPEY AND ROGART ARE FULLY SUBSCRIBED.
New SPICe briefing
11 January 2010
A new briefing on the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill has been published. The Bill was introduced in the Parliament on...
SCF GAINING ON REFORM BILL, BUT A WAY TO GO
23 December 2009
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) had meetings with MSP’s across all parties in Edinburgh last week to discuss progress being...
CROFTERS WELCOME VOLUNTARY BLUE-TONGUE VACCINATION
23 December 2009
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) welcomed the news that next year blue-tongue vaccination will be voluntary. Ena MacDonald, Chair of...
CROFTERS PREPARE FOR REFORM DEBATE
10 December 2009
The Scottish Crofting Federation have convened their reform working group to scrutinise the crofting reform bill launched today and are...
SCF The Federation
25 November 2009
The SCF is now legally recognised as the Scottish Crofting Federation, a change agreed by its members at the 2009...
Crofters Warned of Fraudulent Marketing
2 October 2009
Frank Gaskall, a former president of Euromontana, warned delegates at the SCF's Annual Gathering of unscrupulous companies fraudulently using brand...
SCF Welcome Environment Minister’s Renewed Commitment
2 October 2009
Speaking at SCF's Annual Gathering in Grantown on Spey, Rosanna Cunningham told crofters that despite with drawing a requirement that...
SCF Baffled by National Park’s Attitude to Crofting Reform
2 October 2009
The Scottish Crofting Foundation have expressed their disappointment that the Cairngorm's National Park have chosen not to respond to the...
SCF response to the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill consultation May 2009
12 August 2009
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the proposals put forward by the Scottish Government (SG) to amend crofting...
Crofters demand fair payment for provision of public goods
12 August 2009
The representative organisation for crofters, the Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF), demand government investment in crofting as fair payment for the...
The SCF are seeking an experienced Office Administrator for our busy Auchtertyre office
22 July 2009
The SCF are seeking an experienced Office Administrator for our busy Auchtertyre office. Varied duties will include acting as a...
Crofting Reform Bill “oppressive” say SCF
16 July 2009
The draft Crofting Reform Bill currently out for consultation is ‘out of touch’ and ‘out of balance’ according to the...
Crofters welcome sheep tagging concessions
16 July 2009
The Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF), the only member-led organisation dedicated to promoting crofting, has welcomed the concessions gained by the...
Consultation on the Draft Crofting Reform Bill
21 May 2009
The Minister for Environment, Roseanna Cunningham MSP, published a draft Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill, for consultation on 19 May 2009....
Crofters must speak up on proposed crofting reforms
21 May 2009
The Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF), the only member-led organisation dedicated to promoting crofting has greeted the Draft Crofting reform Bill...
Euro- Candidates Evening
8 May 2009
In anticipation of next month’s European Parliament Elections on the 4th of June, The Scottish Crofting Foundation has arranged an...
Crofters Support Potential LFA Changes
29 April 2009
The Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF), the only member-led organisation dedicated to promoting crofting, welcomes the decision of the European Commission...
Crofters Applaud Peasant Protest
17 April 2009
The Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF), the only member-led organisation dedicated to promoting crofting, pledged their support to Via Campesina, the...
Crofters Alarm at Prospect of Electronic Tagging
25 March 2009
The Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF), the only member-led organisation dedicated to promoting crofting, expressed its disappointment at the outcome of...
Crofters Welcome Bull Scheme Reprieve
11 February 2009
The Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF) welcomed the decision by (former) Minister for Environment Michael Russell to delay changes to the...
Crofting Induction Courses to start in February
29 January 2009
A series of Crofting Induction Courses will commence in February designed for new entrants, recent assignees, aspirant crofters and anyone...
E-petition to investigate the high courier charges in the Highlands
5 January 2009
To sign a petition the Prime Minister to investigate the charges levied by some couriers/suppliers to the Scottish Highlands.Please click...
SCF and EFNCP response to the consultation on the LFASS.
22 December 2008
A joint response by the Scottish Crofting Foundation and the EuropeanForum on Nature Conservation and Pastoralism to the ScottishGovernment consultation...
Crofters Call On The Government To Debate The Bull Scheme Issue
21 November 2008
The Scottish Crofting Foundation are calling on the Scottish Parliament to hold a debate on the proposed closure of the...
Lewis Funding Opportunities for Crofting Projects
16 October 2008
The Macaulay Institute in Aberdeen is seeking proposals for funding support to projects related to crofting and other land-based enterprises...
Bluetongue Vaccination Start Date Announced
10 October 2008
The Scottish Government has announced the start date for compulsory bluetongue vaccination. From the 3rd of November 2008, all cattle...
SFP Payment in Euros Information
7 October 2008
Attention all producers who opted for your Single Farm payment in euoros. If you haven't yet submitted your bank details...
Will The Proposed Crofting Reforms Be Enough Asks SCF
3 October 2008
The Scottish Crofting Foundation has welcomed the Scottish Government’s response to the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting, but asks ‘will...
Compulsory Bluetongue Vaccination Programme To Be Launched
18 September 2008
Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead has confirmed that a compulsory vaccination programme will be launched this winter to protect Scotland’s livestock...
SCF Summarises Member’s Views on Shucksmith
15 September 2008
Following an extensive series of meetings, The Scottish Crofting Foundation has sent a summary of its members’ views on the...
Summary of SCF members’ response to the CoIoC recommendations
15 September 2008
There is consensus that the CoIoC Final Report is a useful reference document that can be used to steer crofting...
The RSE Committee of Inquiry Into the Future of Scotlands Hills and Islands
11 September 2008
The Royal Socitey of Edinburgh committee of inquiry into the Future of Scotland’s Hills and Islands report was launched in...
Crofters Demand Fair Pay For Work Done
27 August 2008
The Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF) has asked the Scottish Government for assurances that recommendations in the ‘Shucksmith Report’ that call...
The Bigger Picture
16 July 2008
Scottish Crofting Foundation Vice-Chairman Hugh Donaldson has called on crofters to “bear in mind the bigger picture” over the approaching...
Muddy waters
9 July 2008
The Scottish Crofting Foundation have been urging crofters to make their views on the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting Final...
Crofters Welcome Thorough Review of FMD Response
27 June 2008
A major review of the response to the 2007 Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in England in 2007 provides a...
SCF Annual Gathering on Barra
26 June 2008
Register now for this year’s SCF Gathering in October on Barra. Arrival 6th, conferencing, workshops, visits 7th & 8th, departure...
Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards
26 June 2008
Entry is now open for the 2008 Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards. These prestigious awards, now in their...
Rural Fuel Prices Petition
18 June 2008
The petition is calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to make representations to the UK Government...
Pedigree Shetland Cattle and Sheep for sale
9 June 2008
For Sale: Pedigree Shetland cattle and Hebridean sheep, hand knit wool and tweed from Hebridean fleeces. Further details: www.farmofgarth.co.uk or...
Crofting Foundation Welcomes EU Parliament Sheep Report
28 May 2008
The Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF) has welcomed the adoption by the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee of the Aylward Report on...
Tell us what you think of the Aylward Report
27 May 2008
We have created a discussion topic in our forum so that you can let us know whether or not you...
SCF Praises Parliamentary Consensus on Shucksmith report
15 May 2008
The Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF) today praised MSPs for their unanimity in acceptance of the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting’s...
SCF praises ‘thorough and radical’ report from Shucksmith Committee
12 May 2008
The Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF) has given a warm welcome to the report of the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting...
Future of Crofting Report presented in Stornoway
12 May 2008
The Committee formally presented their recommendations for the future of crofting in Scotland to Mike Russell MSP, Minister for Environment...
SCF submission to Housing Inquiry
28 April 2008
The Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF) is pleased to offer the following evidence to the Scottish Parliament rural housing enquiry. SCF...
SCF contribution to Food Policy Discussion
25 April 2008
Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF) is pleased to offer the following contribution to the discussion on the National Food Policy for...
Crofters Welcome Food Initiative
22 April 2008
The Scottish Crofting Foundation have hailed the Scottish Government's food policy discussion and the forthcoming meeting with supermarket representatives hosted...
Crofters’ Anguish Over SRDP
16 April 2008
As it unfolds, the true shortfalls of the Scottish Rural Development Programme are becoming apparent. The Scottish Crofting Foundation has...
SCF Launches Housing Report
10 April 2008
The Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF) has this week launched its report on meeting housing needs in the crofting areas, ‘Houses...
Croft to let on Fair Isle
9 April 2008
This National Trust for Scotland-owned croft will be available to let under crofting tenure in summer 2008. The croft house...
SCF To Launch Report of Housing on Croft Land Study.
20 March 2008
An in-depth study looking at the sustainable use of croft land to help meet rural housing needs commissioned by the...
Sheep Tagging Petition
14 March 2008
The NFUS, together with the Scottish Farmer, has launched a sheep tagging petition, focusing on the current double tagging rules...
Cabinet Secretary urged to consider further use of National Envelopes
7 March 2008
The Scottish Crofting Foundation this week wrote to Cabinet Secretary, Richard Lochhead stressing the importance of the Scottish Beef Calf...
Indigenous People
5 March 2008
Parallels between highland crofters and Norwegian Sami and some political implications of indigenous status.
Anomaly of Uk Government Stance on Indigenous People Highlighted
27 February 2008
The Scottish Crofting Foundation will present the research project “Crofters; Indigenous People of the Highlands and Islands” at the Parliamentary...
Indigenous People
21 February 2008
CROFTERS' INDIGENOUS STATUS REPORT TO BE LAUNCHEDHow the United Nations can help promote the distinctive culture of the Scottish Highlands...
Future Farmer Award
21 February 2008
The Future Farmer Award is a new initiative funded by the Elizabeth Murray Trust. Each year a trailblazing Scottish farmer...
Grey Lag Geese Totals Needed
5 February 2008
Anyone in the Western Isles who has been shooting Greylag geese in the open season is reminded to let the...
Imminent Payment of Delayed LFASS
28 January 2008
Scottish Crofting Foundation Chairman Norman Leask, described as ‘very good news’, the commitment to pay delayed support payments to Less...
Extension of Crofting Areas
19 December 2007
PROPOSAL FOR EXTENSION OF AREAS FOR CROFTING WELCOMEDThe proposals for the extension of areas for crofting announced today are good...
Crofting Inquiry Forum
18 December 2007
Crofting Inquiry ForumThe Forum on the Crofting Inquiry Web site is now up and running properly. It is a good...
Crofting Inquiry Survey
18 December 2007
SURVEY SHOWS VALUE PLACED ON CROFTING SYSTEMA survey published today by the Crofting Inquiry highlights the importance attached to the...
SCF in Meeting with Minister
18 December 2007
CROFTING CONCERNS RAISED WITH MINISTER The Scottish Crofting Foundation recently met with the crofting Minister Michael Russell MSP to consider...
Assessors Meeting
7 December 2007
CROFTING FOUNDATION WELCOMES POSITIVE ASSESSORS’ MEETING BUT FEARS FOR FUTURE OF BULL SCHEMEThe Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF) today congratulated the...
SCF Welcomes Reletting Action in Skye
3 December 2007
The Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF) has welcomed Crofters Commission action to require reletting proposals from the owners of three unused...
Welfare of Animals During Transport
9 November 2007
From 5th of January 2008 farmers hauling their own stock and professional hauliers on journeys over 65km will need to...
FMD Compensation a Good Start
25 October 2007
FMD COMPENSATION PACKAGE A GOOD START The announcement yesterday of a compensation scheme for sheep producers affected by the recent...
Bull Scheme Underway
22 October 2007
CALL FOR INFORMATION TO GET BULL SCHEME DEBATE UNDERWAYThe Scottish Crofting Foundation has written to the Crofters Commission asking for...
SCF Dismayed at Outcome of Meeting
17 October 2007
CROFTING FOUNDATION ‘DISMAYED BUT NOT SURPRISED’ AT OUTCOME OF LONDON MEETING.The Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF) today expressed its disappointment at...
SCF Seek Compensation
16 October 2007
CROFTING FOUNDATION SEEKS FOOT AND MOUTH COMPENSATIONThe Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF) was today hoping for a positive result from a...
Petition for compensation for Farmers
15 October 2007
"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Call on the government to provide financial compensation to all farmers who...
Resumption of Exports – Conditions and Requirements
12 October 2007
The draft European Commission Decision permitting the resumption of fresh meat exports from Scotland (and other parts of Great Britain)...
Dismay Over Political Row
11 October 2007
The Scottish Crofting Foundation today expressed dismay at the apparent disappearance of compensation for losses suffered by farmers and crofters...
Crofters Reluctantly Accept Welfare Scheme
10 October 2007
The Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF) has accepted with regret the necessity of a Scottish Government welfare disposal scheme for lambs...
Scotland Launches Emergency Sheep Welfare Scheme
10 October 2007
The Scottish Government today launched its scheme to avert an animal welfare catastrophe on Scotland's hills. Around 250,000 light lambs...
SCF Welcomes the End of the Meat Export Ban
4 October 2007
The Scottish Crofting Foundation welcomes the announcement of the ending of the meat export ban to Europe on the 12th...
Croft Tourism
4 October 2007
We’ve farmed for livestock, we’ve farmed for subsidies, should we now farm for tourism? We all think we live in...
OCDS ends on Dec 31st 2008
4 October 2007
New arrangements now apply for the booking of slaughter slots under the OCDS. At the time of booking a slaughter...
Consultation on Extension of Crofting Counties Welcomed
2 October 2007
The Scottish Crofting Foundation today welcomed the decision to consult on the possible extension of the Crofting Counties. The proposed...
Governement FMD General Update
28 September 2007
1. General update Please find attached the general update for 27 September that we'd appreciate being as widely circulated as...
Urgent Need for UK Government to address FMD Responsibilities
27 September 2007
Crofters are calling on the UK government to recognise the urgent animal welfare issues being created on Scottish hills and...
Industry Unites to Solve Livestock Problems
27 September 2007
The Scottish agricultural industry has joined forces to address the various livestock problems caused by Foot and Mouth disease.NFU Scotland...
Letter to Richard Lochhead from NFU Scotland
27 September 2007
As representatives of the Scottish farming, livestock and ancillary industries we are gravely concerned about the impact of the current...
Animal Welfare Increasingly Urgent as Cold Weather Bites
26 September 2007
The SCF today commended the urgent efforts being made by the Scottish Government to address the welfare situation of lambs...
FMD – Stakeholder Update
26 September 2007
A further infected premises (IP7) was declared last night. It was in the existing Protection Zone. The 2 temporary control...
FMD – Farm to Farm Pre-Movement Declaration
25 September 2007
Scottish Government has announced a general licence for the direct movement of cattle, sheep and goats between farms of different...
SCF Welcomes Further Easing of Movement Restrictions
24 September 2007
The Scottish Crofting Foundation has welcomed further freeing up of animal movements and stressed the importance of reading the licence...
Crofters Call For Immediate Timetable For Animal Movements
21 September 2007
The Scottish Crofting Foundation has today written to Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead stressing the need for a clear timetable on...
Chink of Light For Mainland Producers
20 September 2007
Limited movement of animals within the same business are permitted since noon today, in a relaxation of restrictions which will...
General Movement Licence Introduced
20 September 2007
On the advice of the Chief Veterinary Officer (Scotland), Scottish Ministers have introduced a general movement licence which permits movements...
Latest Livestock Movement Information
20 September 2007
From: THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENTSeptember 19 2007 The Scottish Government today announced its intention to allow movements of up to eight...
FMD Restrictions and the Islands
19 September 2007
Over the course of the last couple of days, we have had a number of requests for clarification from crofters...
FMD – Movement Ban
19 September 2007
As part of the response to the confirmation of foot-and-mouth disease in Surrey, a National (GB) movement ban has been...
Ongoing Support for Crofters Welcomed
14 September 2007
The Scottish Crofting Foundation this week commended the decision of the Scottish Government to continue the highly successful Crofting Community...
Foot and Mouth – Text Alert
14 September 2007
NEW TEXT MESSAGE UPDATE SERVICE FOR FARMING COMMUNITIESThe Scottish Government today launched a new text alert service to help people...
Foot and Mouth Disease confirmed at a premises in Surrey
12 September 2007
Foot and Mouth Disease has been confirmed at a farm near Egham, Surrey. A disease control response has been activated,...
Empower Crofting Communities Call at SCF Gathering
11 September 2007
Cultural heritage, empowering crofters and valuing the crofting way of life were the main themes at the SCF annual gathering...
Final Restrictions Lifted
10 September 2007
Defra have today reported the successful completion of all testing within the Foot and Mouth Disease Surveillance Zone in Surrey....
Crofting Training Launched
9 September 2007
On behalf of the recently formed Crofting Training Panel, which includes SCF, Mike Russell - Minister for the Environment –...
Crofters gather in Dingwall
3 September 2007
A varied, unusual and interesting programme features at this year’s SCF Annual Gathering to be held in Victoria Park Stadium...
Foot and Mouth – Latest News
23 August 2007
All farm sales, auction markets and agricultural shows in Scotland can resume on Monday.And as of midnight tonight Scotland's livestock...
SE Foot and Mouth News Release
17 August 2007
Two more movement ban amendments come into effect from midnight tonight as a result of appeals yesterday by the livestock...
Letter to Farmers from SE
17 August 2007
FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE IN SURREY - PROTECTING SCOTTISH INTERESTSThe recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in Surrey has...
DEFRA -Information on Foot and Mouth
15 August 2007
Information on DEFRA website about Foot and Mouth.
Foot and Mouth – Latest SE information
15 August 2007
Link to the latest Scottish Executive information.
Livestock Movement Relaxation Welcomed by Crofters
8 August 2007
The Scottish Crofting Foundation welcomed the news from the Scottish Executive that they were aiming to relax livestock movement controls...
SCF Condems Highland Council on Food Supply Contracts
7 August 2007
The decision of Highland Council to award the vast majority of its food supply contract to mass catering suppliers based...
PEPFAA Code for fallen Stock
6 August 2007
The on farm burial ban of stock has temporarily been lifted. The fallen stock collection scheme is presently suspended and...
SCF evidence to the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting
3 August 2007
Scottish Crofting Foundation Evidence to the Committee of Inquiry on Crofting 31 July 2007Link to http://www.croftinginquiry.org
Forestry Commission – Support for Woodland Creation
29 July 2007
From 2008, we will offer support for woodland creation through Rural Development Contracts. In the meantime, we are inviting ‘initial...
Crofting Brand Set for Autumn Launch
25 July 2007
Following a survey of Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF) members which produced a positive and enthusiastic response, a brand for crofting...
Crofting Brand Questionnaire
18 July 2007
You may have heard of our project to create a "brand" for crofting produce. The first meeting of the working...
Scottish Crofting Foundation call for a halt to Decrofting
14 June 2007
The Minister for Environment, Michael Russell MSP, has been asked to impose an immediate moratorium on multiple-site decrofting to protect...
SNH ask people to look out for Lesser Butterfly Orchid
12 June 2007
People throughout Scotland are being asked to report sightings of one of Scotland's most beautiful and rare native flowers in...
Funding announcement allows for progress to be made
31 May 2007
The announcement today of funding levels for the new Scottish Rural Development Programme means that progress can now be made...
BBC Scotland – New series of Landward presented by Nick Nairn
15 May 2007
Acclaimed chef and ambassador of Scottish food, Nick Nairn will be the new face of BBC Scotland’s rural affairs magazine...
Crofting Community Short-listed for Award
14 May 2007
The crofting community’s campaign against the Crofting Reform Bill, introduced in the last parliamentary session, has been short-listed for the...
Single Farm Payments must be submitted by 15th May 2007
9 May 2007
Farmers and crofters risk losing their Single Farm Payments if their 2007 Single Application Forms (SAF) are not completed on...
DEFRA – Welfare of animals during transport – Guidance Notes
3 May 2007
This guidance relates to Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport.
Island LFASS Payments Welcomed But More Targeting Needed
3 April 2007
The Scottish Crofting Foundation has welcomed the Scottish Executive's decision to offer island crofters and farmers additional funding through the...
Importance of Following Muirburn Code Highlighted
30 March 2007
The Scottish Crofting Foundation reminded members today of the need to ensure that muirburn is carried out in accordance with...
“Charter for Crofting” Launched
27 March 2007
Crofting households account for around 30,000 people in the Highland and Islands – around 30% of households on the mainland...
SCF Launches Housing Study
23 March 2007
Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF) launched its ‘Housing on Crofting Land’ study at its Skye and Lochalsh Area AGM at Sligachan...
Call for Special Rate for Neccessity Vehicles
22 March 2007
Following yesterday’s budget announcement on higher road tax for 4-wheel drive vehicles, the Scottish Crofting Foundation has written to all...
NFU – Farmers reminded to apply for Transport Authorisation
21 March 2007
NFU Scotland is reminding all livestock producers that new rules governing the transportation of animals came into force across Europe...
Land Management in European Mountain Regions
21 March 2007
The challenges facing small farmers in marginal areas across Europe are often remarkably similar but solutions to them differ widely....
Nominations for Monitor Croft sought by 2nd April
21 March 2007
Nominations are still being sought for the Skye Monitor township. If you would like to nominate your own or another...
“Crofting Brand” Working Group Meets
19 March 2007
A working group formed to progress the Scottish Crofting Foundation’s “Crofting Brand” proposal had its first meeting last week. The...
SCF Appoints New Board and Council Members
14 March 2007
Contact details for the SCF Board Members
Better Border Controls will help Animal Welfare
5 March 2007
The Scottish Crofting Foundation today called on government to do more to prevent the import of serious animal diseases and...
SCF Launches New Housing Study
5 March 2007
Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF) launched its ‘Housing on Crofting Land’ study at its Skye and Lochalsh Area AGM at Sligachan...
Crofters Back Call for Fairer Appeals System
3 March 2007
Proposals put forward by NFUS for a shake-up of the subsidy appeals system received support from the Scottish Crofting Foundation...
Scotlands Finest Woodlands Awards 2007
19 February 2007
Since 1985 Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards have been recognising and celebrating the existence of all these different types of woodlands...
Land Based Skills Course – Oatridge Agricultural College, West Lothian
6 February 2007
Unemployed young people from Scotland’s rural areas are being given the opportunity to acquire those skills rural employers say they...
Crofting Reform – Historic Legislation greeted with Silence
31 January 2007
The passing of the slated Crofting Reform Bill was greeted with silence by crofters, who warn that there are burning...
SCF AGM – Notice of meeting on 13th March 2007
26 January 2007
NOTICE is hereby given that the Sixth Annual General Meeting of The Scottish Crofting Foundation ON THE 13TH OF MARCH...
Horticulture for Crofters – Dunbeath Community Centre – 1th February
21 January 2007
Horticulture for crofters and other small users.
Conference Booking Form for February 6th – Oatridge College
15 January 2007
Download the Booking Form Here for the conference: "Skills, Sustainability and Rural Development – Challenges and Opportunities for the Landbased...
Skills Sustainability and Rural Development Conference – Oatridge College 6th February
15 January 2007
A one day seminar jointly organised by Oatridge College and Lantra exploring the opportunities and challenges facing rural and landbased...
Poor Consultation on Marine Park Leaves Unanswered Questions
5 January 2007
The consultation process on Scotland’s first Coastal and Marine National Park, which closes on 10th January, has been ‘rushed, casual...
Local Crofting Network to be Strengthened
10 December 2006
A successful Crofters Commission conference in Inverness concluded today with an agreement to revitalise the network of local Crofting Assessors,...
LFASS Payment Offers Opportunity to get Scheme Right
2 December 2006
The announcement by Rural Affairs Minister Ross Finnie to make a one-off additional payment to cover borrowing costs incurred on...
SCF Welcomes Committment on Crofting Support
1 December 2006
Scottish Crofting Foundation Chairman, Norman Leask today welcomed a commitment from the Scottish Executive on the future of support schemes...
Cattle Event in Strathcarron – 27th and 28th October
16 October 2006
SAC Course - Introduction to Cattle Management - Strathcarron
Crofters Set to Fight for Vital Cattle Scheme
16 October 2006
A scheme providing high quality, health-checked bulls to crofting townships appears to again be under threat, only two years after...
Cattle Improvement Plan
16 October 2006
Cattle Improvement Plan to be submitted by 16th December 2006
Cattle Improvement Plan – Application Form
16 October 2006
CATTLE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME – INTERIM ARRANGEMENTS APPLICATION FOR YEAR 2007
Cattle Improvement Plan – Guidance Notes
16 October 2006
CATTLE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME (INTERIM ARRANGEMENTS FOR 2007) GUIDANCE NOTES-Also available on Crofters Commission website