"Crofters Union” set to make a comeback
The leading representative body for crofters has signalled an intention to go back in history with a major re-branding exercise which will re-align it with its original founding purpose and identity.
Ahead of their annual general meeting on Tuesday, members of the Scottish Crofting Federation have been given advance notice of a proposal to change the name back to the Scottish Crofters Union.
In an explanatory note, they say the proposal has come about through “various discussions” around issues of perception. It states: “Over the last few months the board and council have been asked to consider the structure, functions and branding of the organisation as part of a series of reviews.
“This came from various discussions about how the organisation is perceived publicly and how crofters identify with the organisation.
"It has become clear when out at meetings with crofters that many have come to perceive us only as a training organisation and the Federation name does not necessarily give a clear indication of all the valuable work that goes on.
“In fact many still refer to us as the ‘Union’, while others think the Union ceased to exist.
“Various options were considered during the discussions such as splitting the training and policy work elements into separate organisations. However the overall feeling was that this was not necessary, but that a name change may allow us to better tell our story and provide a stronger identity”.
The explanation continues: “Many of our members will understand and remember the reasons why the structure of our organisation evolved and with it the name changed to the Federation, but as we look at the organisation today, changing the name could bring with it several advantages.
“To this end, and after gaining a majority in support from the board and council, it is proposed that a change of name back to the Scottish Crofters Union be considered now by members.
If approved in principle at the AGM, applications would then have to be made to both Companies House and the charity regulator OSCR, who will no doubt want to be assured that members are supportive of this change before they consider it, hence the motion being brought forward to the AGM first.
The Scottish Crofters Union was formed in 1985 after long-running efforts to create a single body which would speak for crofters. Previously there had been area unions in some parts of the crofting counties and nothing at all in others.
With the system of crofting tenure coming under increasing pressure, the need was seen for a single Union to represent the crofting interest. The name of Angus ‘Ease’ Macleod from South Lochs was closely associated with the union’s foundation which was backed by the Highlands and Islands Development Board.
The subsequent evolution of the organisation, first into a ‘Foundation’ and then a “Federation’ dismayed many of its early advocates who felt that it had moved away from its early campaigning purposes and membership declined sharply.