Crofting conference

Crofting conference 8/9/10

The unique nature and identity of crofters and crofting will be celebrated at the Scottish Crofting Federation’s (SCF) Annual Gathering in Oban next week.

SCF is celebrating 25 years with the theme ‘One Size Doesn’t Fit All’ at the Gathering.

It message is that crofting cannot simply be grouped as ‘farming.’

The body’s chief executive, Patrick Krause, said: “Diversity is the key to a thriving rural population, a message which our speakers will reinforce. Crofting has its own identity.

“It is a land-based culture, supporting populations in remotest rural Scotland, with crofters acting as guardians of some of the UK’s - and indeed Europe’s - most fragile and rare habitats. The fact that crofting has the resilience to keep people in these remote areas is due to its diversity.

“Our speakers are international, national and local, reflecting the role of crofting in the wider world as well SCF’s work in supporting projects growing from the needs of small communities.”

The conference, at the Royal Hotel, Oban will be attended by around 100 delegates from Shetland to Barra.

The gathering’s key note address will be delivered by Minister for the Environment, Roseanna Cunningham on Monday morning.