Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP has seized on comments made by the Scottish Crofting Foundation as evidence that the Environment Minister has a real battle to convince the rural community that he is doing enough to support them.

Following the Scottish Government’s response to the Shucksmith Report, the SCF said that ‘it is yet to be seen therefore whether the proposals for crofting reform will be backed up enough by genuine support and fair payment for the goods crofters provide.’

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

“There is a growing sense that the Environment Minister has a real battle on his hands if he is to convince crofters that the Scottish Government is doing enough.

“Crofters are facing extremely difficult times. They are understandably very disappointed that the Minister chose not to accept any of Mark Shucksmith's recommendations relating to the various crofting funding schemes.”