GRANTS to improve housing or build new homes in some of Scotland’s most remote and marginal communities have been awarded to 13 crofters.

In its latest round of funding, the Croft House Grants scheme, which aims to retain and attract people to rural and remote communities, has paid out grants worth £433,072.

Since the scheme was launched in 2007, more than £22.5 million has been awarded to 1047 families and individuals in rural and island communities.

Speaking after meeting the Matthew family, a previous recipient of the grant, Scottish rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “It’s clear to me just how important this grant is to crofters. Seeing what this money has helped the Matthew family do is inspiring. Since March 2020 we have awarded over £1.7 million in grant funding to help build and improve homes for 53 crofters and their families. I am determined to continue helping people in crofting areas.

“Crofters play an integral role contributing to the long-term sustainability of our rural and island communities. The future sustainability of these areas depends on our ability to attract and retain people, particularly young families, and the Croft House Grant has proved successful in doing just that.”

Florentine and Tim Matthew had a grant approved in 2017 which helped them build their house. They said: “The Croft House Grant has been invaluable to us – without this grant we wouldn't have been able to live on our croft with our young family. Local housing is scarce and there were no available houses in our rural location. This grant has made the difference between us investing in building a life on a croft and being forced to move back to the city.”