Crofting Minister Aileen McLeod has acknowledged that a new approach is needed to support crofters.
She told MSPs yesterday that she was “open to discussing options” over the process of finding a replacement for Crofting Commission convener Susan Walker who has resigned.
Shetland MSP Tavish Scott believes commissioners should be allowed to choose their convener rather than it being a political appointment by the Scottish Government;
The Liberal Democrat, who raised the issue at Holyrood, wants the Crofting Commission to drop the one size all approach to regulation.
Mr Scott said the Scottish Government must accept that the 2010 Crofting Act had failed.
Highland MSPs Rhoda Grant (Labour) and Jamie McGrigor (Conservative) said they agreed that commissioners should be allowed to appoint their own chairman.
Ms McLeod said: “In the spirit of being constructive and collaborative, I am open to discussing options with the commissioners in the first instance and with colleagues in the chamber and through further correspondence with the rural affairs, climate change and environment committee.
“Susan Walker made a very valued and lasting contribution to the Crofting Commission.
“She led the commission through a period of transformational change that has helped to build strong foundations on which the organisation will now move forward.”
Speaking afterwards, Mr Scott said he welcomed the minister’s desire to work with people to forge a better support for crofters.