The appointment of the grazings officer, also known as a constable, installed to supervise the running of crofters' grazings in Lewis is due to be terminated soon.
"Illegal" grazings' officer's appointment nears end
26 August 2016
A majority of crofters in Upper Coll maintain the Crofting Commission's appointment of Colin Souter is "illegal."
Crofters have launched legal proceedings against the “vindictive, draconian, and illegal“ actions at the Scottish Land Court.
Now, villagers intend to set up a new committee within two weeks.
A Crofting Commission spokesperson said: “Following an investigation under the Crofting Act the grazings committee in Upper Coll were removed from office on 14 April 2016.
“Subsequently, the Crofting Commission received a request from the former grazings clerk, stating that there were a number of issues that, in the view of shareholders, required immediate attention and asking the commission what they intended to do to resolve the issues highlighted.
“The commission discussed this matter at a meeting on 9 May 2016 and considered all of the options available to them.
"Given the request for immediate action and in order to protect the interests of all shareholders the commission decided to appoint a constable in terms of section 47(3) of the Act.
The grazings constable is now nearing the end of his appointment following which the shareholders can appoint a committee of their choosing.
The Commission said it could not give further details as the case faces to court action.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “The Scottish Government is committed to working constructively with the Commission to ensure it delivers an effective service for crofting.
“The Rural Economy Secretary recently wrote to the Crofting Commission to clarify the Scottish Government’s position in relation to CAP funding and disbursal of funds by common grazings committees, and to stress the importance of the Scottish Government and Crofting Commission moving forward together on these matters."
