New Crofts Project

How would you like the opportunity to become part of a small, but vibrant community in one of the most beautiful places in the world?  

A snug berth at Port Mór

The Colonsay Croft Project.

The community of Colonsay, with the aid of the Scottish Land Fund, has purchased an area of land with the intention of creating 5 bareland crofts ("bareland" = no house). The tenant of each of these crofts will rent an area of land which has outline planning permission for the construction of a dwelling house. As a crofting tenant he/she will be eligible for grant aid for help with the costs of construction and infrastructure. Information about crofting can be obtained by following the link to the Crofter's Commission www. crofterscommission .org.uk/

It should be stressed that certain conditions will require to be met to ensure that the land remains in the ownership of the community and, while the tenant's equity in the building will be preserved, a Section 75 Planning condition may be placed on the croft house, thus tying the use of the house to the croft .

DON'T BE PUT OFF, read on...

Recent legislation has broadened the definition of crofting away from traditional agriculture to include any viable business venture.

Potential projects might be eligible for grant aid for the construction of buildings, start up costs etc.

Who do we want?

We want resourceful, independent well-motivated people. You will be expected to submit a business plan, and a transparent allocation policy will be applied to select applicants. We would like families but rule out no one. New businesses may be eligible for assistance from Argyll and Islands Enterprise www.hie.co.uk/

What should you do?

A comprehensive information pack is being developed and should be available by the beginning of April.

In the meantime, for further informal information contact me initially by e-mail at colonsay.croft@btinternet.com and I will arrange a time for you to phone me.

Good luck -

Donald MacNeill, Crofting Project Facilitator.