► Crofting Commission admits errors, apologises to crofters
Highlands and Islands MSP, Rhoda Grant, has called on the Crofting Commission convenor to quit.
Mrs Grant say Colin Kennedy should accept the views of his fellow commissioners and resign immediately.
An official Crofting Commission meeting which was about to discuss the body's serious
mishandling of common grazing committees -
Also on the agenda was the requirement to obey a ministerial order to publicly apologise for the debacle which has concerned crofting communities and undermined the role of the commission.
Mr Kennedy refused to allow Murdo Maclennan, the Western Isles' commissioner, to withdraw his declaration of conflicts of interests in the two Lewis grazing cases.
Crofting Commission convenor urged to resign
1 September 2016
It is understood Mr Maclennan reported circumstances had changed and the reason for the declarations not longer existed.
Told by officials hehad no choice but to agree to the request Mr Kennedy closed the meeting and walked out of the building.
cMrs Grant said: “Crofting has been through a tumultuous time recently and the commission’s handling of the grazing committee’s dispute has added to the considerable disquiet within the industry.
"I welcome the apology given by the board over their handing of this issue.
"However, only with the resignation of Mr Kennedy will the commission will be able
to start re-
Mr Kennedy must acknowledge the views of his fellow Commissioners and accept that his position is "untenable," she stressed.
"For the sake of the industry as a whole and for the integrity of the commission he must accept the democratic decision of the board and stand down immediately.”