CABINET SECRETARY Fergus Ewing has reportedly told the Crofting Commission to "apologise to crofters" for its recent behaviour with regard to common grazings committees, and reverse the unpopular actions that it has taken.

According to the BBC, Mr Ewing demanded this of the Crofting Commissioners during a private meeting, although there has been no official statement confirming that request.

Nonetheless, with the Commissioners due to hold a board meeting tomorrow (Wednesday), there is now an expectation amongst crofters that the CC will soon make a major u-turn on the matter.

Scottish Crofting Federation chair Fiona Mandeville said: “It has taken a long battle to get to this point, but it is extremely good that it is reported that Mr Ewing has made clear his support to crofters by directing the Commissioners to issue a full, unequivocal, public apology for their mistreatment of common grazings committees.

"This whole episode has been badly damaging to individuals, to crofting communities and to crofting itself, so we hope an apology may be the first step in a healing process. As the person who seems to be behind the ongoing attacks on crofting committees, it would be appropriate for the Convener of the Crofting Commission, Colin Kennedy to give the apology in his resignation statement.

Ms Mandeville continued: “SCF has been asking for a review of the Crofting Commission, to look critically at its procedures and governance. The news that Mr Ewing has instructed government officials to carry out a review is very promising.

"This situation must be prevented from happening again by modifying the way the Commission works. It makes no sense at all that the Convener was involved in local meetings, and was making personal statements regarding grazing committee business. Acting as some sort of maverick lawman is not appropriate. The board of the Commission should be, as any board, for strategic direction and governance.

“And as for Mr Kennedy’s imposed, and lawyers say illegal, henchman, Constable Souter, he must be removed from Upper Coll immediately,” she added. “He has no place in crofting, is aggravating bad feeling and is standing in the way of democratic process."

However, the official statement from Mr Ewing simply described his meeting with the Crofting Commissioners as "very constructive".

"During the meeting, I stressed the Scottish Government’s commitment to working with the Commission to ensure it delivers an effective service for crofting, especially ahead of the crofting elections next year," said Mr Ewing.

“I also emphasised the need to swiftly resolve the current situation regarding common grazings committees, and made clear my view on what the Commission’s Board needs to do to restore equilibrium. The forthcoming elections for new Commissioners add impetus to the need to draw a line under the current episode. I look forward to hearing how the Commissioners intend to proceed," said Mr Ewing.