Rural Europe on the move English_E_version_all | Page 42

CHAPTER 3
THE CROFTING SYSTEM OF LAND TENURE
Crofting is a form of land tenure defined by small-scale food
production in the Scottish Highlands. Individual crofts are typically
established on 2–5 hectares of arable land for better quality
forage, arable and vegetable production. Each township manages
poorer-quality hill ground as common grazing for cattle and sheep.
Crofting is important to the Highlands and Islands, involving 10% of
the region’s population. Crofters typically produce 20% of all beef
and 45% of breeding ewes on 25% of the region’s agricultural land,
whilst delivering many environmental benefits in terms of wildlife
conservation.
the ‘roll-on roll-off’ ferry which has primary school is an eco-school,
undoubtedly changed our lives by where the island children learn about
making the island far more accessible. sustainable living and governance
A centre at the pier with a licensed from a young age. I am always
restaurant, a general store cum impressed how they take it in turns to
real food deli and a craft shop now be secretary, treasurer and chair: it will
welcome the visitor, whilst the old be so much easier for them to take on
1940’s tin roof shop has been turned these roles later in their life, whereas
into a much-visited, hands-on we had to learn it the hard way!
recycling facility.
A second tranche of EU LEADER
15.The new Eigg shop
16. Young entrepreneurs’ weekly
delivery of Eigg eggs!
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Building on its ‘sense of place’, Eigg
continues to be a place of traditional
funding has brought an increase in music and dance, with the June
population and work opportunities: anniversary of the Eigg buy-out an
young people who were growing up opportunity for a yearly music festival.
during the buy-out campaign have The difference is that we now drink
come back to bring up their families, more beer produced locally by the
start new businesses and inspire island’s micro-brewery than the red or
others to settle. Access to the internet blue cans imported from the mainland.
– which we now managed through our There is an increasing amount of food
own community interest company – produced locally, artisan bread and
means that many islanders, including preserves, herbs and salads for sale,
myself, can now work remotely. Many and a thriving orchard. The only fruit
folks have built their own houses on grown before was reserved for the Big
land provided at affordable prices House and its visitors.
or even free, depending on your
The island economy is still fragile,
income. For the latter, the Trust affected by its marginal location and
retains ownership of the ground. Our the cost of freight. Over-dependency