Chamber
Plenary, 19 Sep 2002
19 Sep 2002 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Crofting Support<br />(Highlands and Islands)
First, I congratulate Tavish Scott on bringing the issue of crofting before the Parliament. It gives me an opportunity to talk about the plight of the crofters on the island of Tiree, which is in my constituency. Tiree has 272 crofts, 80 of which are active, and four agricultural holdings. It is no overstatement to say that crofting is the economic and social lifeblood of the island. There are precious few other employment opportunities there. The Ministry of Defence has cut staffing levels in recent years and the Met Office has switched to an unmanned operation, which has resulted in five job losses.
Crofting and the production of sheep and cattle are fundamental to the survival of the Tiree community, yet that lifeblood is in danger of being cut off. The island is already facing population decline. The statistics in Argyll and Bute Council's structural plan project that the current population of around 700 will drop by 100 in the coming 10 years. Highlands and Islands Enterprise acknowledges that Tiree is one of the most fragile islands in Scotland. A real fear exists that the population of Tiree could collapse and that the infrastructure of the island could implode. It would not be overstating the case to say that we could witness a Highland clearance over the next two to three years.
The principal threat to crofting on Tiree is the proposed closure of the market there, because of its poor state of repair. There are two reasons why the market is crucial to the well-being of crofting on Tiree. First, the fact that the market allows crofters to market their stock on the island means that it offers the crofters a much better return. The ability to sell on the island means that the stock looks better and weighs more. Therefore, crofters' returns are higher and they do not incur all the costs of having to leave the island to sell their animals.
The second reason—the transport cost—is fundamental. The collection centre aspect of the market is more important than the marketing element. To get animals off the island individually or in small numbers can cost between £30 and £40 per beast. The market on Tiree means that five or six times a year all the animals can be gathered together into big groups. After being bought, the animals go on to articulated lorries in big numbers and a special Caledonian MacBrayne sailing is commissioned to take them off the island.
Crofting and the production of sheep and cattle are fundamental to the survival of the Tiree community, yet that lifeblood is in danger of being cut off. The island is already facing population decline. The statistics in Argyll and Bute Council's structural plan project that the current population of around 700 will drop by 100 in the coming 10 years. Highlands and Islands Enterprise acknowledges that Tiree is one of the most fragile islands in Scotland. A real fear exists that the population of Tiree could collapse and that the infrastructure of the island could implode. It would not be overstating the case to say that we could witness a Highland clearance over the next two to three years.
The principal threat to crofting on Tiree is the proposed closure of the market there, because of its poor state of repair. There are two reasons why the market is crucial to the well-being of crofting on Tiree. First, the fact that the market allows crofters to market their stock on the island means that it offers the crofters a much better return. The ability to sell on the island means that the stock looks better and weighs more. Therefore, crofters' returns are higher and they do not incur all the costs of having to leave the island to sell their animals.
The second reason—the transport cost—is fundamental. The collection centre aspect of the market is more important than the marketing element. To get animals off the island individually or in small numbers can cost between £30 and £40 per beast. The market on Tiree means that five or six times a year all the animals can be gathered together into big groups. After being bought, the animals go on to articulated lorries in big numbers and a special Caledonian MacBrayne sailing is commissioned to take them off the island.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Mr George Reid):
SNP
The final item is a members' business debate on motion S1M-3352, in the name of Tavish Scott, on support for crofting in the Highlands and Islands.
Motion debated,
That the Parliament notes the importance of crofting to the Highlands and Islands; welcomes the publication of the White Paper on crofting reform and encoura...
Tavish Scott (Shetland) (LD):
LD
It is obvious that the debate is not of great importance to all members of the Parliament. Nevertheless, it is an important issue for those of us who represe...
Robin Harper (Lothians) (Green):
Green
Does Tavish Scott agree that there are huge opportunities for the niche marketing of organic products, particularly from crofting? What is needed from the Ex...
Tavish Scott:
LD
I accept much of Robin Harper's analysis, but I believe that the essential point about organic status is that most crofters have been farming organically for...
Rhoda Grant (Highlands and Islands) (Lab):
Lab
I congratulate Tavish Scott on securing the debate. I thank the Presiding Officer for calling me early in the debate. I apologise to members because I will n...
Fergus Ewing (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber) (SNP):
SNP
I congratulate Tavish Scott on securing the debate. I understand that Tavish Scott is not a crofter, but he always brings an air of cultivation to these deba...
Mr Jamie Stone (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross) (LD):
LD
Fergus Ewing mentioned forestry, but does he accept that many crofts are completely unsuitable for forestry schemes, particularly crofts in the more marginal...
Fergus Ewing:
SNP
Yes, I accept that. That is why I have voted for and supported the extension of the community right to buy to include fishings. However, that might not be ex...
John Farquhar Munro (Ross, Skye and Inverness West) (LD):
LD
I declare that I am a poor, innocent Highland crofter, downtrodden with legislation and red tape—I fill out forms constantly and get no practical benefit. Ho...
Mr Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con):
Con
This afternoon, I participated in a debate on the role of culture in Scotland. Crofting is a culture. Indeed, it has been a main contributor to culture in th...
Mr Jamie Stone (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross) (LD):
LD
I have two points to make, both of which are connected to what Rhoda Grant—who is no longer with us—said.First, I echo what Jamie McGrigor said about the LFA...
Mr McGrigor:
Con
Will the member give way?
Mr Stone:
LD
I will come back to Jamie McGrigor in a minute.To hurt or damage the crofting face of the diamond in any way would be deeply unfortunate. I echo the points t...
George Lyon (Argyll and Bute) (LD):
LD
First, I congratulate Tavish Scott on bringing the issue of crofting before the Parliament. It gives me an opportunity to talk about the plight of the crofte...
Fergus Ewing:
SNP
Given the huge cost of the transportation of animals from the islands to the mainland, does the member agree that it is disappointing that the Executive has ...
George Lyon:
LD
That issue would need to be examined. This debate is too important for me to indulge in political point scoring. I must deal with a serious issue on behalf o...
The Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development (Allan Wilson):
Lab
I shall try to address all the points as quickly as I can, given the limited time that is at my disposal.Let me start by emphasising that the Scottish Execut...
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
SNP
For the record, I should say that Jamie Stone has a committee meeting immediately after members' business. He gave his apologies to the chair.
Allan Wilson:
Lab
That is perfectly understandable. We cannot be in two places at once.Interestingly enough, claimants in those areas have increased their overall take to 6.6 ...
Mr McGrigor:
Con
I do not know what those figures represent, but I have my doubts about whether many crofters will have seen any increase from LFA payments. This debate is ab...
Allan Wilson:
Lab
The figures represent £4.2 million out of a total of £63 million for all of Scotland. That is what they represent.Environmentally sensitive area schemes have...
Mr McGrigor:
Con
Will the minister take a quick intervention?
Allan Wilson:
Lab
Yes.
Mr McGrigor:
Con
Does the minister realise how difficult it is for crofters who want to be organic to buy their feed from organic sources?
Allan Wilson:
Lab
I was just about to come to the point about the organic aid scheme that was raised by Tavish Scott. We will consult on measures to replace ESAs when the exis...
Meeting closed at 17:54.