Croft house grant scheme comes up for review

A consultation has been launched on the future shape of the Scottish Government’s croft house grant scheme.

The scheme provides financial assistance for the improvement and maintenance of crofter housing, with the aim of attracting and retaining people in remote areas of the Highlands and Islands.

Ten years since the scheme began, payment rates have not increased and ministers are asking for views on how the money available can be best used.

Crofting Minister Dr Aileen McLeod said: “By law, crofters have to live on or close to their croft, which can present challenges in terms of availability and quality of suitable housing.

“We know those are major factors in rural depopulation, and so by offering financial assistance for constructing and upgrading residential properties, the croft house grant scheme is helping to attract and retain people in our remote, rural and island communities.

“The scheme launched 10 years ago and although building costs have gone up, the assistance rates we are able to contribute have not. While I am sympathetic to the case for increasing the size of grants on offer I need evidence to make a decision that will benefit our remote and rural communities.

“That is why it is so important for as many people as possible to respond to this consultation.”

Click here to access the consultation. Responses are due by 31 March 2015.