THE Scottish Government has awarded £1.4 million in funding to crofters to improve their housing or build new homes over the past year.
Since its launch in 2007, the croft house grant scheme has awarded £21.8 million to 1,023 families and individuals in rural and island communities. The latest round of funding sees grants worth £289,920 awarded to nine crofters.
The purpose of the scheme is to retain and attract to rural communities, while allowing them to achieve the full potential of crofts and generate economic activity. The funding allows communities to improve their housing or build new homes.
The Scottish Government’s rural economy secretary, Fergus Ewing, said, “The last year has been difficult for many people as we work our way through the Covid-19 pandemic to try and control the spread of the virus and protect our communities. Crofters have been working hard throughout contributing to the long-term sustainability of our rural and island communities.
“We need to ensure the continued availability of good quality housing to help attract and retain more people to these areas. I have seen first-hand the impact the croft house grant has had across rural Scotland and I am glad that we can continue to provide this support. In the last year we have awarded over £1.4 million in grant funding to help build and improve homes for 49 crofters and their families. I am determined to continue helping people in crofting areas, which the Croft House Grant has a proven track record of doing.”
