Committee of Inquiry on Crofting to visit Arran
Friday 06 July 2007
The Committee of Inquiry on Crofting is set to continue its tour around Scotland when it visits Brodick on Thursday 26 July to gather views and opinions from the local community on the future of crofting. The meeting will take place at Brodick Community Hall at 7.15pm.
The Committee of Inquiry on Crofting was established by Ministers to consider what further reforms are necessary following the passing of the Crofting Reform Act earlier this year. The Committee will engage with crofting communities to develop a vision for the future of crofting, including its legal, institutional, regulatory and financial basis. This will lead to recommendations to government in the New Year.
The tour, which started at the beginning of June, is to enable the Committee to listen directly to people's views on the subject. The visit is an opportunity for the people of Arran to add their voice to the Inquiry. The debates that took place last year on the Crofting Reform Bill showed that people have strong views and the Inquiry is seeking to hear people's opinions.
The Committee visited the Isle of Skye, Oban, Sutherland and Wester Ross during the month of June and beginning of July. Meetings have been structured around small group discussions to ensure everyone has a chance to speak about what is important to them.
Professor Mark Shucksmith, Chair of the Inquiry, said: "We are very pleased with the way the public meetings have gone so far. There has been a strong turnout and those who attended were keen to give us their views and to get involved in discussions about the future. We have learned a great deal and heard some useful ideas. I hope the meetings we have planned elsewhere will be just as useful."
Mark explains: "The meeting is a chance for people to discuss what matters to them and, wherever possible, we are keen to give attendees the chance to speak directly to a member of the Committee."
The Inquiry has issued a call for evidence and packs containing questions are now available at the meeting venue. Or people can contact the Inquiry directly for a pack. Further details and contact information are available on the Inquiry's website at http://croftinginquiry.org/
ENDS
Notes to editors:
For further information or to arrange an interview with Mark Shucksmith please contact:
Sharon Lyons at Barkers Scotland on 0141 248 5030 or slyons@barkers-scot.com
Tuesday 24 July - TIREE - 7.15pm An Talla, Village Hall
Wednesday 25 July - BOWMORE - 6.15pm, Ionad Chaluim Chille Ile
Thursday 26 July - BRODICK - 7.15pm, Brodick Community Hall