SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed the call from Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity, Fergus Ewing MSP, for the Crofting Commission to issue a public apology to crofters.

Alasdair Allan commented: "This is a very welcome intervention by Fergus Ewing on an issue that has been hanging over crofting for too long.

"Since the Commission removed the grazings committees from office in Mangersta and Upper Coll I have been in close contact with those affected from both villages and sought repeatedly to raise this with Scottish Ministers. This episode has caused a great of disruption to the lives of those affected and it is only right that the Crofting Commission issues a full, frank and open apology.

"It has been deeply concerning to see the extent of the breakdown in the relations between crofters and their regulatory body over the past months. There needs to be a line drawn under this issue so everyone can focus their energies on building a better future for crofting."