News / Elect the chairman Scott says
SHETLAND MSP Tavish Scott has today (Thursday) voiced his objection to government plans to appoint the chairman of the new Crofting Commission.
Six crofters from across the Highlands and Islands, including Kathleen Sinclair from Scousburgh, were last month elected to represent crofting interests.
They joined three government appointees to form the nine-strong Crofting Commission which replace the Crofters Commission on 1 April.
The Scottish government has now said they wish to appoint the chair of the agency.
Mr Scott said: “What’s the point of having elections to select the members of the Crofting Commission if the SNP have already decided the chairman is going to be one of their own?
“I will be raising this in parliament and awaiting with interest the Scottish government’s justification for this typically domineering decision to interfere.
“Kathleen Sinclair won the Shetland crofters’ vote to be the industry’s representative on the Crofting Commission. I have no doubt Kathleen and her fellow commissioners are well able to choose any actively competent person from within their ranks who would command the confidence of the crofting community.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.