Crofting Connections is an educational project, which will enable over 1,200 young people aged 5 to 16 living in remote rural communities throughout the Highlands & Islands to learn about crofting past, present and future.

Set against major environmental and social challenges, crofting has a unique role to play in inspiring young people to think global, and act local.

Why crofting and Crofting Connections matters

Since the 1950s, economic, social and environmental conditions, and changes in farming and fishing practices, have triggered a decline in crofting.
Today, there are less than 18,000 active crofting households, and the average age of a crofter is over 55.

Crofting Connections coincides with major legislative reform to ensure crofting has a sustainable and profitable future in the 21st century.
Our project will inspire young people to play their part in securing that future.

The Curriculum for Excellence encourages schools to work across subject boundaries and to look beyond the classroom for learning opportunities.

Crofting Connections provides an excellent framework for pupils to experience the benefits of interdisciplinary learning and for schools to share good practice.

The legacy of Crofting Connections will be an informed younger generation, which will help to shape vibrant and resilient communities to meet the needs and challenges of the 21st century.

Michael Russell MSP visit to Sgoil Lionacleit School

In the photo are students Calum Martindale and David Holliday, Education Secretary Mike Russell and in the background Alasdair Allan MSP for Western Isles.

Mr Russell visited Neil MacPherson’s Croft where our S3 croftng students were getting their first experiences of handling sheep - running them through the race and shedding the lambs ready for tagging. He talked to me about our involvement with Crofting Connections and was clearly knowledgeable and supportive of its aims. 

He also met with two of the students who were part of the first cohort through the Crofting course and they spoke very positively about their experiences and their plans for the future.  They were also part of the team that built a demonstration stook in the school theatre when Mike Russell launched the course.