I’m well aware that I’m a custodian of the land. It doesn’t belong to me. It’s my duty to pass it on to the next generation. As it was passed to me. (Well. The Postie’s name is on the tenancy). Crofting is one reason the H & I region looks like it does & is the way that it is.

The land needs protection, once it’s gone from Crofting tenure, it’s gone forever. Nothing like Crofting will be set up again. (Although I’m sure large landlords could choose to, if they wanted). Where did all of the philanthropists go? Where are the works for common good?

It’s great to see so many community buy outs (long may they continue). Folk finally able to take hold of their futures. Safe in the knowledge that the land underneath them won’t change hands. Empowered to make their own decisions for their own reasons.

I wish some form of Crofting could be rolled out to the rest of the country. A redistribution of land & therefore power. If people had access to land they would be able to stay where they wanted. Providing the breadth of skills & ages that a community needs to thrive.

Land has a value beyond money. It affords people the chance to change their lives & the areas they live in. Crofting provides a mass of opportunities, it’s a privilege to be a crofter. We have a home because we have a Croft.

There is a massive housing problem throughout the H & I region. In my opinion the council should be working harder to resolve it. Maybe residency clauses on all sales in sensitive areas. Tighter regulations around new builds (full time residents only).

Second homes are a prickly subject. I’d much rather see a full time residence. I know nobody wanted these properties 50 years ago, but times change & that needs to be addressed. People can work remotely now & want to move into those areas. Exodus reversed. A new lease of life.

I’ve no magic solutions, but a lot of this is what I think on & chunter about to myself as I walk about the Croft doing my daily jobs. Wishing I could reach through time & talk to those that came before. Or imagining what the strath will look like in the future when I’m gone...