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Public crofting conference    29/9/11

Croitearan nan Eilean (Crofters of the Isles) has organised a free public conference to discuss a fundamental issue which not only affects the Western Isles but the whole of the United Kingdom; the breakdown of community life.

This year also marks the 125th anniversary of the Crofters’ Holdings (Scotland) Act 1886. It was a seminal landmark in the history of the crofting counties of the Highlands and Islands. Its key significance was that it gave, for the first time, security of tenure and a system of ensuring fair rents for crofters. From this stemmed the ability of crofters to plan ahead with confidence and invest in their croft in the knowledge that the iniquities of the Clearances could not be repeated.

Crofting activities were the glue which kept communities close-knit and formed such a vital part of the culture. People worked together, helped each other; it was a time of discipline, selflessness, caring and kindness. They gave us the extended family where grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins were very much part of the family. They gave us the oral tradition of handing down stories from one generation to another. People visited each other’s homes on a regular basis and exchanged the latest news or gossip. In every village they knew each other so well that even youngsters could rattle off the family trees of their neighbours.

Have these times gone, never to return? Has village life changed beyond recognition? Has the ‘sense of community’ all but disappeared? Few people know or care who their neighbours are. These are more selfish times in which we live. Why? What has gone wrong? What has caused the breakdown of communities? Why have values changed so much?

Is the above a true reflection of community life today? Does it matter? Should we not care? Was their much to admire about island life decades ago that could teach us all valuable lessons today, not only in the islands but beyond?

The subject-matter has become very topical recently with the unedifying and unacceptable scenes from recent riots in London and other cities south of the border.

A spokesman for CNE states that “We live in a culture of rights without responsibilities. We have become obsessed with political correctness, human rights and litigation where the sense of duty, honour, commitment and responsibility is considered old-fashioned and irrelevant in today’s society. Much can be learnt from the crofting way of life.”

CNE has invited a group of distinguished speakers to discuss this topic at a Conference on Friday, 30th September at the Caberfeidh Hotel, Perceval Road South, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis HS1 2EU. Tel: 01851 702604. Registration will take place from 09.00.The conference should finish by 17.30 which gives guests ample time to have a meal and refreshments before the Grand Concert at Studio Alba at 19.30.