Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has welcomed the news that the Scottish Government is launching a consultation on its Croft House Grant Scheme (CHGS), something he has been campaigning on for some time.

The scheme provides financial assistance to improve and maintain crofter housing with the purpose of attracting and retaining the population in the Highlands and Islands.

Commenting on this, Mr Thompson said, “It is pleasing that the Scottish Government has announced a consultation into crofter housing and the associated payment rates, as I have long been highlighting the fragility of the crofting sector, and its importance socially and economically in the Highlands, as well as campaigning on matters relating to crofter payments”.

“For the consultation to be successful, it is imperative that folk with an interest in the crofting community respond with their views”.

Dave went on, “I too will be making a personal contribution to the consultation and in doing so I intend to highlight that the assistance rates should be at least doubled”.

Notes:

The Scottish Government proposes increases and changes to rates of assistance for construction and improvement of crofters' houses; permitting dwellings adjoining, but not on, the croft to be assisted; and to making agreed croft development plans conditions of assistance.

Stakeholders are also invited to comment on other aspects of CHGS that they may wish the Scottish Government to be aware of.

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2015/01/4893

The Croft House Grant Scheme Consultation will last for 12 weeks and close on March 31, 2015. It can be accessed here:

www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2015/01/4893