2013 was the year that saw an incredible turn of events whereby the Westminster Government denied Scottish farmers and crofters and amount of 230 million Euros.
A convergence split in the Common Agricultural Policy was paid into the UK coffers due to the low payments Scotland were receiving in terms of area payments compared to other areas of the UK and Europe. Money earmarked to help Scotland's poor position was distributed throughout the UK.
Surely, if there were ever a case for independence, this was it. The UK has historically badly represented Scottish crofting and farming needs with rural development falling to a low position on their list of priorities. Not only has Scotland lost out on 230 million Euros but had Scotland been independent, it would have been eligible for 1 billion euros of the convergence split.
It is understandable that the UK does not share Scotland's priorities in terms of rural issues but surely this emphasises where Scotland loses out. In the union, Scotland has the lowest average payment rate per hectare of rural development funding. It, through Westminster decision-making, is not joining 16 other countries to secure additional rural development funding.
In the Hebrides, this is surely a warning with the vote on independence fast approaching as one of the main traditional industries is crofting and everyone would like to see an increase in young crofters to bolster the sector. Comnhaire nan Eilean Siar recognises the importance of the traditional industry to the Hebrides such as crofting, noting in its Corporate Strategy 2011-17 its commitment to
" develop, support and lobby for initiatives that strengthen the traditional industries such as crofting..."
With independence, Scotland can promote its economic and social interests in the EU. Deal directly with member states and all European institutions as an equal partner and not a sub-community or after-thought. Use Scottish farming levies to promote Scottish produce, surprisingly not done at the moment.
The Scottish Government have pledged to support new entrants into agriculture and this will come as a real benefit in addressing two major challenges to the Outer Hebrides. The decline in crofting and creating an easier environment for young people to enter crofting.
Councillor John A Maciver reiterates, "It couldn't be any clearer that a YES vote in the September referendum will be a vote to help crofting and safeguard its future. With decision-making, as we have seen this year, from Westminster with regards to crofting, a No vote could spell disaster for the sector. A YES vote will allow Scotland to best represent Scottish crofting and farming and that is vital for our traditional industry in the Hebrides."
A journal written by the SNP opposition group on the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council).
