Kathleen Sinclair elected to represent local crofters
SCOUSBURGH crofter Kathleen Sinclair has been elected to represent Shetland on the new Crofting Commission that replaces the previous Crofters Commission as of next month.
Mrs Sinclair won the election with 262 votes (41.7 per cent) ahead of Peter Dodge who polled 140 votes. Marjorie Williamson received 117 votes and David Smith 102.
Speaking from her home at the southend of Shetland immediately after the results had been announced in Inverness, Mrs Sinclair said she felt “overwhelmed” but was looking forward to serve the islands’ crofters.
“I would like thank the crofters in Shetland for their confidence in me. I have been born and brought up on a croft – it is a way of life for me,” she said.
Mrs Sinclair has been the grazing clerk for the Scousburgh common grazing for the last 13 years, and has previously also served as the president of the local branch of the NFU.
In her election address, she said: “My passion for crofting has provided me with real hands on experience and an in-depth understanding of the practicalities and challenges involved.
“I have a good knowledge of the immense rules and regulations impacting on the industry.”
The new Crofting Commission consists of six elected commissioners representing the various crofting areas in the Highlands and Islands plus three commissioners appointed by the Scottish government.
The other elected commissioners are: Donnie Ross (East Highlands), Murdo MacLennan (Western Isles), I.G. Macdonald (West Highlands), Colin Niall Kennedy (South West Highland), and Arnold David Pirie (Orkney & Caithness).
The three appointed commissioners are: Susan Walker, William Swann and Sandy Cross.
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