CROFTERS ARE to benefit from an additional £600,000 to enable them to build and improve their housing.

The Croft House Grant scheme is to receive the extra funding in 2017/18, taking its total allocation to £2 million, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing announced this week.

Speaking at the Scottish Crofting Federation Annual Gathering, Mr Ewing also announced a review of the Croft House Grant scheme requirements to ensure that there are no unnecessary barriers and the grant continues to target support at those most in need.

“The new Croft House Grant has proved a very successful and popular scheme in its first year, " said Mr Ewing. "Due to the scheme’s high demand and our commitment to continue to fund crofter housing in our rural areas, I have announced additional funding of £600k in 2017/18 to help crofters build or improve more homes."