The Scottish Government will increase the level of grant funding available to help build and renovate croft houses.
Following consultation with industry, government will introduce two different grant bands through the Croft House Grant Scheme.
From April 1, crofters will be able to apply for a grant of up to £28,000, while those living on an island and some mainland communities, will be able to apply for up to £38,000.
The new grant levels will replace the current scheme which offers different grant rates of £11,500 (low), £17,000 (standard) and £22,000 (high).
“Good-quality housing is essential to help attract and retain people in Scotland’s most remote and rural communities, and to help crofters fulfil their duty of living on or close to their croft,” said crofting minister Aileen McLeod.
“Clearly, we need to balance the number of grants with the level of funding available which is why each application will be assessed on its merits with support targeted at those most in need. I also intend to review whether the grant levels and geographical areas remain appropriate three years after the scheme comes into operation.”
She said government was considering the re-introduction of a loan scheme to help crofters build or improve their homes.
Sutherland crofter Sandy Murray, who chairs NFU Scotland’s crofting Highlands and Islands committee, welcomed the news and said: “For the well-being of some of our more remote, rural and island communities, it is in all our interests to see a vibrant crofting sector that is fit for purpose in the 21st century. These positive changes to the Croft House Grant Arrangements are an important part of that process.”
More information about the grant scheme is available online at
https://www.ruralpayments.org/publicsite/futures/topics/all-schemes
.