"Crofters' incomes are falling with sheep and cattle being taken from the hill and the Minister has missed an opportunity to improve LFAS and the rural development programme which are so vital to the future of crofting.

"It seems he has abolished the much respected Bull Hire Scheme while funding a burgeoning bureaucracy of 80 commissioners and has potentially sidelined the much respected network of Assessors," said Mr Peacock.

"It also appears he plans to keep the idea of a real occupancy burden which crofters have been so vehemently opposing. I welcome the fact he has picked up some of our suggestions on directing the Commission to deal with absenteeism and on the release of public land for crofting.

"The Minister needs to formally consult with crofters over on his proposals before he brings in a bill and my colleagues and I will need substantial clarification and re-assurance on a range of points.

"The Minister has no blank cheque of support from us and we all need to look at the small print of what has been said today.

"My colleagues and I will continue to listen to crofters and speak up for their interests in the debate that is still to run on this whole issue."