ROD MACKENZIE has been appointed as the new convener of the Crofting Commission by rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing.

A life-long crofter, Mr Mackenzie is one of the six commissioners recently elected to the board by crofters from across the Highlands and Islands.The board also includes two commissioners recently appointed by ministers and one reappointment position who will also serve the crofting community in the coming years.

Mr Mackenzie commented: "I'm delighted to have been selected to be the new convener of the Crofting Commission. Though based in Beauly, my role with the auction marts has taken me to many more remote crofting communities, particularly in the Northern Isles, so I know that crofting is a jigsaw made up of many different pieces.

"Somehow, as the regulator for the whole of crofting, the Commission has to make the pieces fit together and administer fairly and openly and within the constraints placed on us a public regulator. We must continue promoting the interests of crofting, to help sustain this unique land management system for future generations. "And of course, it is not only about the land – crofting is about people and communities," he said. "So, I want to get out and about to meet those people in their communities as much as possible, to listen to what our network of almost 90 assessors has to say about the future of crofting in their areas and to look at what people are telling us in response to Commission consultations on a new grazings regulations template and the Commission policy plan.

"There are many uncertainties out there at the present time; we know that. So it is all the more important that we pull together and that is how I see my role as convener, working with the staff and my fellow commissioners, pulling together for the good of crofting."

Commenting on the appointment, Mr Ewing said: “As a life-long crofter, Mr Mackenzie will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role and I look forward to working collaboratively with him in the future.

“With the appointment of the new Convener, the creation of the new board of Commissioners and the recruitment of a new chief executive earlier this year, I believe crofting can look forward to a period of stability and a positive focus on issues that will greatly improve the lives of those living in remote and rural areas.”

Crofting Commission chief executive Bill Barron added: "We have had several meetings of the board since the elections in March and I have been impressed at each by Rod’s enthusiasm and good sense. Along with the staff of the Commission, I am looking forward to the work ahead, promoting and regulating crofting with a very able group of commissioners, headed now by Mr Mackenzie. This now allows us to implement our action plan with Mr Mackenzie leading the organisation. This will ensure that the Board is able to function as a collective unit, while respecting each Commissioner’s individual perspective and views."

NFU Scotland also welcomed Mr Mackenzie's appointment. The union's Crofting, Highlands and Islands Committee chairman Sandy Murray said: “On behalf of our 850 crofting members, I welcome the opportunity to work with Mr Mackenzie and his fellow Commissioners in order to fully support crofters and sustain crofting into the future.”