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.

Crofting Connections - the next three years

Crofting Connections Phase 2 has received funding from the Scottish Government, Heritage Lottery Fund and Highlands & Islands Enterprise to continue the project for a further three years from December 2012 to November 2015.

We are looking forward to this opportunity to make the benefits of Crofting Connections available to a wider number of children, young people, their families and their crofting communities to help contribute to the vision and the development of crofting in the 21st century.

The launch of Crofting Connections Phase 2 at Plockton High School, on January 18th 2013, was a great opportunity to celebrate success and look forward to the future.The gathering was addressed by Minister for Learning Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, other Highland MSPs, local councilors, pupils, teachers and local crofters.

Many people contributed to the success of the day. Highlights included the music from Plockton’s National Centre for Excellence in Traditional Music and presentations from a range of voices reflecting the culture of the crofting counties. Several speakers, including one of the Lochcarron pupils, delivered their addresses in both English and Gaelic, while the pupils and their teacher from Whalsay Junior High School were able to speak to us as native Shetlanders. The excellent crofter’s lunch featuring Hebridean and Soay lamb and Kerr’s Pink tatties – the west coast crofters’ favourite for over 100 years – was provided by the Highland Council catering team, assisted by Plockton hospitality students. The baking from pupils and crofters was a reflection of the high quality food education work in the project. Local councillor and beekeeper Audrey Sinclair organised a honey tasting from her own bees in Kyle as well as honey from Shetland, Orkney and Colonsay.

Plockton High School provided the perfect venue, with the warm welcome extended by acting rector Susan Galloway and her prefects and staff. We are very pleased that Plockton High will be joining the project in May.

A Crofting Connections event at Plockton High School, Highland.