7 Good things about 2017

1. 2017 has been a positive year for the crofting world (if only for us). The year started in much the same chaotic, unedifying way which characterised 2016. Last year, internal ructions within the Crofting Commission, together with the departure of their Chief Executive, Catriona MacLeod, seemed to paralyse the regulator. The appointment of a new Chief Executive, Bill Barron, together with elections in March whereby an entirely fresh board was elected, allowed a recalibration of the organisation, and an opportunity to rebuild damaged relationships.
   

2. The long-awaited consultation on crofting law was launched by the Scottish Government.
   

3. Since August we have had online access to the Commission’s Register of Crofts (ROC). The ROC is the Commission’s database of crofts and, whilst it has its foibles, the ROC remains a valuable source of information. Having direct access to the ROC saves both users and the Commission considerable time and effort, and assists greatly with the timescale of crofting research. The Commission have indicated that in time we can also expect to be able to access decrofting directions and apportionment orders online. You can find the ROC here.
   

4. Following the election, the new Commission was required to produce a plan detailing their policies and objectives, and such a plan was published in October this year, having been approved by Ministers. You can find the plan here. It is a more comprehensive, cohesive and balanced document than its predecessor. Furthermore, the 2012 plan was rather more specific in its parameters and consequently those Commissioners had less room for manoeuvre, in terms of policy implementation.

5. Towards the tail end of the year (20 November) has been the deadline to respond to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the reform of crofting law. This exercise in reform, having been attempted twice before in the last decade, must surely be the last chance before crofting law is shelved forever in the “too difficult” pile. The reform is an exciting development in the field and is great news for all of us who have been trying to ensure that reform stays on the political agenda.
   

   I must confess that the final two good things about 2017 are rather subjective:-

6. Camus Consulting was launched on 1 July, providing a unique service for crofters, law firms, estate agents, landlords, prospective crofters, grazings committees, land agents and others besides. I offer an experienced, cost effective and efficient service and have been delighted to be able to help such a broad range of clients, even in the first few months of my business. I extend my thanks to those with whom I have worked  over the past few months, and I look forward to extending my client base over the months and years ahead.
   

7. Just three months after Camus Consulting was launched, I decided to take on a new Associate. His duties can vary but usually involve demanding I step away from my laptop to offer food and walks. Scout is a cocker spaniel and joins my border collie and me as (hashtag) Team Camus Consulting.

8. Very best wishes to clients, professional colleagues and friends alike, for the year ahead. May 2018 bring you peace and happiness.