A Western Isles grazings committee sacked by the Crofting Commission intends to go to court in a bid to get reinstated.
The former Upper Coll grazings committee want the Scottish Land Court to consider the lawfulness of the commission's actions after they were thrown out of office.
Sacked grazings committee in legal appeal
4 May 2016
The Crofting Commission -
A further four weeks was granted to get the last five years accounts externally audited.
The commission fired the committee after rejecting a financial audit undertaken by local accountants, claiming the submitted documents lacked sufficient detail, despite discussions over what was required between the independent chartered accountant and commission officials.
The sacked committee called the sacking "dictatorial, vindictive and unjustified," maintaining it had fulfilled all the demands placed upon them.
Now, the deposed crofters intend to appeal to the Scottish Land Court which deals with agricultural legal cases.
They hope to get reinstated, claiming the Crofters’ Commission acted unfairly.
Ken Macleod, solicitor for Upper Coll grazings committee, confirmed he is drawing up an appeal.
Mr Macleod said: “I believed there is a right to appeal to the Scottish Land Court and I am framing that appeal at present.”
The ousted committee have 42 days from the day of the sacking to formally lodge an appeal, giving them a deadline of May 27.
