Scottish Community Land Network

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This site is for people interested in the management and ownership of land-based assets by communities in Scotland. A Scottish Community Land Network, you might say... As you know the internet is a big 'place' with everything about anything so we aim to bring you relevant news and events, and provide opportunities to share ideas with other people interested in this subject. So far there are over 800 members, and more than 500 articles in our archive.

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Crofting

Are the bulls back in the (hire) market?

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Details: Wednesday, 18 February 2009 15:09 Tamsin Morris Hits: 524

The (now former) Minister for Environment Michael Russell has announced that an independent review group will be set up to consider the future for the crofting bull hire scheme.

Originally earmarked for closure, the bull hire scheme allows crofters to use a high quality bull with their livestock without the long-term cost of keeping the animal. The review group will look at ways of helping crofters to keep or hire bulls in the future and crofters will also have a chance to contribute to the debate.

When the government announced the planned closure in October 2008 they offered crofters the opportunity to purchase one of the hire bulls for only £500. The new announcement suggests that option is still open, but that crofters will also have the opportunity to continue hiring a bull this year and return it to the central stud facility for overwintering.

The review group should report by autumn 2009, so changes may well be on the cards for the following year. You can find the full text of Michael Russell's announcement here.