Dave Thompson MSP

SNP MSP Dave Thompson today welcomed the decision of the Scottish Government to return the sporting rights for Raasay to the Crofters who live and work on the island.

Mr Thompson, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, highlighted the intervention of Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse who confirmed that the contract, which had been awarded to South Ayrshire Stalking following a competitive tender, had been withdrawn.

The previous lease, which had been held by Raasay’s crofting community, will be extended by a year.

Mr Thompson – who last week wrote to the Scottish Government calling for assistance for the Raasay Community to have the option of a community buyout of the island, if that is what the community want –

said: “I am satisfied that this situation has been totally rectified and am pleased that this Scottish Government has listened to what the people of Raasay want.

“The intervention means an extended time frame of the Raasay Crofter’s lease by a year, which will allow time for a longer-term solution and the option of a buyout.

“Raasay is a fantastic but fragile island community and I thank Mr Wheelhouse, who has recognised from my first contact with him on this matter that the sporting rights and land ownership are vitally important to the islanders.

“I understand the concerns expressed about the way in which the contract was awarded, and I therefore welcome Mr Wheelhouse’s assurance that in future all such contracts will be subject to ministerial consideration.