A group of MSPs has called for an overhaul of crofting legislation and the creation of a national development plan for crofting.
A report by the rural economy and connectivity committee makes the plea for a new crofting bill to “meet the needs of crofters in the 21st Century” to be passed by the end of the current session of parliament.
Committee convener Edward Mountain said although several crofting acts had been passed in recent years, a new bill was required to deal with all the issues raised by crofting communities.
“In the months and years to come, the committee expects to see development of policy and legislation which is fully fit for purpose, allowing crofting to flourish and to continue to make an important and sustainable contribution to the rural economy in Scotland,” added Mr Mountain.
Recommendations in the report include a call for the role and responsibilities of elected Crofting Commission commissioners to be properly defined and for and update to legislation and guidance covering grazing committees.
The committee also suggests that areas of common grazings could be used to create new crofts and for the way in which cases of absenteeism and neglect of crofts are handled to be reviewed.