Farmers' union, NFU Scotland, is launching a new branch in the Western Isles.
Over 750 crofters have joined the body recently and the NFU said the new branch would give the increased membership greater support and recognition.
Local NFUS secretary Jake Sayles said: “NFU Scotland is already doing sterling work on behalf of crofters, hill farmers and smallholders in Skye and Lochalsh.
With an established membership base in the Western Isles, the time is right to create a new branch to give those members greater representation and to encourage others to come and hear what the union can offer.
Sutherland crofter Sandy Murray, who chairs the union’s crofting working group said: "NFU Scotland is absolutely committed to creating a vibrant, crofting sector that is fit for the 21st century. In the past year alone, we have continued to campaign for simpler and updated crofting legislation and were instrumental in getting the crofting stakeholders forum set up to take forward crofting matters."
He added: "In other priorities, we also want to encourage new entrants into crofting, increase the availability of affordable housing and make sure that the range of support and financial incentives available to the crofting community are fit for purpose and their availability well communicated.
“Crofting remains at the core of so many communities across Scotland. NFU Scotland want to keep it that way and I look forward to hearing from our Western Isles branch members in the future.”
NFU launching Western Isles branch
15 July 2016