THE HISTORY OF CROFTING
CROFTING PAST AND PRESENT

Crofting is a growing feature of rural parts of the Highlands & Islands. Its rich history is balanced by its promising future. It is about people, especially young people.

As roads improved during the early 1800s, new opportunities for trade with mills in the south of Scotland emerged. Sheep such as the Cheviots were brought into the Highlands to provide wool. Many living in the glens were moved to the coastal districts and their land turned over to sheep farming, while others emigrated to Canada and America. This led to the development of the west coast fishing industry. Many had never set eyes on the sea before but in time became skilled and successful fishermen.

In return for an annual rent, landlords provided the people with plots of land on which they built their homes.

Although still a harsh life, the standard of living among the crofter/fisherman was rising. However, they were concerned about losing their homes and land. Landlords could raise their rents at any time. Failure to pay their dues resulted in many families losing their homes and land. Crofters began to protest. They held mass meetings and began to fight for their rights.

In 1883, the Government set up a Royal Commission to find out more about crofting. As a result the Crofters Holdings (Scotland) Act 1886 was passed. It gave crofters the right to a reasonable rent. Indeed many crofting estates have not reviewed their rents since 1886. Crofters were entitled by law to pass their croft on to their families. If the crofter decided to give up the tenancy of his croft, the Act also stated that he would have to be paid for any improvements made to the croft. It also set up a Crofters Commission a forerunner of the modern organisation.

CROFTING TODAY
Crofting is as important as it ever was in keeping communities alive. Few crofters earn a full time living from crofting. Most croft, (growing a small crop of vegetables or perhaps keeping a few sheep or cattle) in their spare time and work locally in a range of jobs. A crofter could also be a fish-farmer, postman, teacher, wildlife tour operator or work with the local council. Computers give people in the crofting areas the chance to work and set up businesses in their own homes. It is a way of life which helps communities by keeping schools and Post Offices open and buses and other services operating.

Croft land provides a rich varied range of places for wildlife to live. Traditionally, crofters use low amounts of fertilisers. Weedkillers and insect sprays are used rarely and sometimes not at all. As a result the range of plants is much wider than found on more intensively managed areas. The varied plant life attracts many species of insects such as butterflies and moths. Other insects and birds thrive on this ready food source. Many tourists come to the Highlands & Islands attracted by its natural beauty and the richness of its wildlife. This extensive range of wildlife is supported by the crofting system. It is interesting to note that the heavily crofted island of Tiree has many more Corncrakes than the RSPB corncrake reserve on the neighbouring island of Coll.

Crofting has played, and continues to play, a vital role in sustaining our fragile rural communities. It is a way of life with a unique culture and an overall appreciation of the environment. It is open to all to practice although for new applicants preference is given to those with agricultural experience, who work locally and have young families.