Crofting Commission chief executive to depart

6 September 2016

The Crofting Commission has announced its chief executive, Catriona Maclean, is leaving the organisation.

Ms Maclean departs at a time the body is caught up in turmoil after sacking grazing committees in three villages.

Crofters in Upper Coll in Lewis launched legal action, claiming the commission acted unlawfully after investigating officers or constables were installed to take over the running of common grazing land.

Ironically, Upper Coll neighbours the outgoing chief executive's home village of Tong though she has no connection with any of the crofters in the dispute.

Ms Maclean is taking up a promotion as deputy director of the food, drink and rural communities division within the Scottish Government from late October.

She said: “I am delighted to have been asked to lead on such a key area of work for the Scottish Government.

“The food and drink sector covers a wide range of industries and creates both jobs and wealth for Scotland.

"It also has an impact on health and sustainability and I look forward to working with stakeholders to ensure the sector maximises its impact.

“That said, it is not without a great deal of sadness that I leave the Crofting Commission and my staff who are all dedicated to providing an excellent service to crofters."

Ms Maclean said the Scottish Government is taking steps to fill the vacancy her departure creates.

She added: "I am confident that the transition will be as smooth as possible and that continuity of service provision will be maintained.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank staff, commissioners and stakeholders for the support they have given me in the last 3½ years and wish them well for the future.”

Catriona Maclean is departing the Crofting Commission