Joyce Campbell, a crofter from the north coast of Sutherland, and already something of a celebrity as 2015's Sheep Farmer of the Year, lives at Armadale, a croft passed down through the family since being taken on by Joyce’s grandparents in the 1960s.

After she returned from college in 1990 at the age of 20, Joyce went into partnership with her mother, Emily Campbell, a history teacher at the local school, running the croft as a full-time business. Joyce and her team now run a flock of around 830 pure-bred North Country Cheviot Hill Ewes, around 50 tups, 255 ewe hog replacements, 25 suckler cows and some free-range outdoor hens.

Armadale has a core team of workers who work alongside Joyce, including a pack of 11 dogs, and employs various people from the local community to work with them on the farm at busy times of the year.

“Crofting is an important way of sustaining communities and economies in remoter parts of the country," said Joyce. "What we produce and the jobs we create help give people a reason to keep living here, to keep the shops and schools open, and support wider parts of the Scottish economy such as tourism. Despite the cold, hard winters and often long hours, we feel blessed to be here are incredibly lucky. The crofting way of life is keeping the lights on in many crofting townships and glens, without it many of these communities would simply not exist.

“As well as being a source of information, the Crofting Commission is a place where we can stand up and make our voices heard when it comes to decisions about our futures," she said. "While it’s easy to stand at the side and throw stones, it’s more important that we get involved and remain engaged. I will definitely be voting come the CC election. The best way to create change and make sure that your voice is heard is by exercising your right to take part, debate and have your say. It’s better than complaining about it after the event.

“It is important the elected Commissioners understand the communities they represent, that they realise the issues they face, and that there’s an on-going dialogue between the two parties," she added. "I’d like to think they are proud of what they are doing and grasp the gravity of the task at hand. The crofting community is quite vulnerable, and it’s important that is recognised.

“In looking to the future I hope we can encourage new people and young blood to embrace crofting as I think we have a bright future ahead of us. Lessening the bureaucracy will encourage more people to sign up and encourage those already here to stay put.”