Crofters asked for views on commission elections ahead of 2017 vote

Crofters are being asked for their views about Crofting Commission elections, ahead of next year’s vote.

Crofters are due to go to the polls in March 2017 to elect six members to the board of the Crofting Commission.

The organisation is the only public body in Scotland where majority of board members are elected by the people it regulates, with the other three commissioners appointed by Scottish ministers.

The Scottish government has today launched a formal consultation on:

The elections will be administered by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. The Scottish government, the Comhairle and the Crofting Commission are working together to “ensure a free and fair election process and to encourage a high voter turnout”.

Crofting Commission chief executive, Catriona Maclean, said: “The Crofting Commission welcomes the news of the consultation on the draft regulations for the commission elections. It is important for crofters and crofting stakeholders to be involved in the election process that will ultimately shape the future of the commission and crofting.

“This is the second election for the commission and it is important for all those with an interest in crofting to understand the elections and what is involved. I would encourage crofters to take part in the consultation and have their say for the 2017 elections.”

Land reform minister Aileen McLeod said: “The first Crofting Commission elections in 2012 were ahead of their time in allowing 16 and 17 year olds to vote. With just a year to go until the next round of voting, now is the ideal time to look at whether there is anything we should be doing differently to ensure the 2017 elections are a success. For example, I am particularly keen to encourage more women to stand for election.

“That is why I urge all crofters, and everyone with an interest in crofting, to have their say before the Scottish government consultation closes on June 22, 2016.”

Councillor Alasdair Macleod, chair of sustainable development at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said: “Crofting is fundamental to the way of life in the Western Isles. In fact, just under a third of all crofts in Scotland are in the islands.

“The Comhairle is pleased to have been asked to administer the elections and we would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation.”