The first new branch of NFU Scotland to be launched since the 1930s is to be established in the Western Isles.
The union said the new branch was being created in response to an increased number of members in the area, and in particular an increase in the number of crofter members from the islands.
The new branch, which will be looked after by Jake Sayles and Duncan Macintyre, will be formally launched at the Isle of Harris Distillery in Tarbert, Harris, on Wednesday July 27.
Both Mr Sayles and Mr Macintyre will be in attendance at the launch along with the union’s crofting, Highlands and Islands committee chairman, Sandy Murray, and Highland regional chairman Jim Whiteford.
All existing and prospective new members are invited to attend the evening launch, which kicks off at 6pm, while new branch members will be present at the North Uist Show at Hosta Machair the following day.
Mr Sayles said: “NFU Scotland is already doing sterling work on behalf of crofters, hill farmers and smallholders in Skye and Lochalsh. With an established membership base in the Western Isles, the time is right to create a new branch to give those members greater representation and to encourage others to come and hear what the Union can offer.
“Through our NFU Mutual offices in Portree and Stornoway, Duncan and I are already able to provide members with a high level of support and services, from crofting and hill farming policy to financial and insurance advice.”
Mr Murray, who is a crofter from Sutherland, said: “These are exciting and challenging times for crofting and, with our crofting membership increasing, it is great that NFU Scotland’s first new branch in more than 80 years reflects that.”
He said the union was committed to creating a vibrant crofting sector that was fit for the 21st Century.
“Common grazings is a hot topic at the moment. We staged a very successful workshop on Skye and would look to repeat the exercise elsewhere if necessary,” added Mr Murray.
“In other priorities, we also want to encourage new entrants into crofting, increase the availability of affordable housing and make sure that the range of support and financial incentives available to the crofting community are fit for purpose and their availability well communicated.”