THERE isn't 'too much joy around' in Scotland's crofting communities, with a new survey of crofters’ attitudes revealing that the uncertainties of Brexit have seriously damaged morale.

Only 14% of respondents to the Scottish Crofting Federation survey were confident about the future, as compared to more than twice that number who declared themselves 'despondent' (31%). A further 55% said that they were uncertain, citing Brexit and the knock-on effect that might have on prices and support payments.

SCF pointed out that crofters and farmers were right now having to make decisions on stock numbers without knowing what sort of market they are going to be selling animals into. Erring on the side of caution, both sheep and cattle producers were more likely to be reducing stock numbers than increasing them.

For cattle, the survey found 24% reducing stock and 13% increasing; for sheep the numbers were 26% reducing stock and 19% increasing. In the middle, a majority were maintaining numbers while waiting to see what happens.

SCF chair Russel Smith offered his analysis of the results: “Those who are confident about the future base their views on the fact that there will always be a need for food – and crofters produce quality, environmentally friendly meat. Some comment that Brexit gives opportunity for better support for the industry, for example by placing tariffs on imports. A few are developing local markets for their meat.

“Those who are despondent cite the possible reduction in subsidies when we are out of the Common Agricultural Policy and the risk of a no-deal Brexit leading to a drop in prices. In general there is great uncertainty; so crofters can’t plan for the future. Overall, there doesn’t seem too much joy around, with lots of respondents marking time and fearful of what the future might bring – reduced prices, increased costs and reductions in support payments," said Mr Smith.

And if there is no economic return, he warned that many crofters will stop crofting, as many had used the 'comments' section of the SCF survey to suggest.

However, Mr Smith ended on a hopeful note: “The opportunity is there to strengthen the market for top quality, environmentally responsible, local lamb and beef while developing a support system that helps crofters and hill farmers continue to look after the land and support our remote rural communities."