THE head of the powerful statutory body which regulates Scotland's 12,000 crofters has been forced to quit after being confronted by a vote of no confidence in her leadership.

 

Susan Walker, who was chosen by ministers, has resigned having lost the support of a majority of her fellow commissioners who want to appoint their own chair.

The Crofting Commission is due to meet Environment Minister Aileen McLeod on May 22, to discuss the way ahead following Mrs Walker's departure."

A commission spokeswoman confirmed she had resigned as convener and as a commissioner, adding: "We respect Susan's decision and we are grateful for the contribution made during her time with the commission.

"We would like to wish Susan all the best for the future."

Mrs Walker, who is married to a Skye crofter, was one of three commissioners appointed by Scottish ministers and civil servants to the Crofting Commission when it came into existence in April 2012.

The remaining six commissioners were all directly elected by Scotland's 12,000 crofters, covering six different geographical areas across the Highlands and Islands. A total of 10,880 votes were cast for 28 candidates.

The Herald revealed last month that at least five commissioners had called a special meeting in order to move a motion of no confidence in Mrs Walker.

The commission was set up to regulate crofting and to promote occupancy and active use of the land to enhance rural communities. If it finds crofts are unoccupied and not being worked, it can make them available to those who want to croft properly, by imposing new tenants on any absentee crofter.

Many assumed the convener would be one of the six commissioners who were voted for. But the Scottish Government appointed Mrs Walker, who is co-author of The State of Crofting in Camuscross, an academic report on Skye crofting in her local township.

She was also a director of the Camuscross and Duisdale Initiative, a community trust working in partnership with crofters and grazings shareholders on local food.

But there has been growing concern amongst her fellow commissioners over her style of leadership. In particular that she has assumed the role of an executive chair, reportedly taking some decisions without consulting them.

Environment Minister Aileen McLeod said of Mrs Walker's departure: "I would like to thank Susan for all of her hard work and for making such a positive contribution to crofting during her time as commissioner and convener.

"From the first time I met Susan shortly after I was appointed Crofting Minister, I have been impressed by her vision and passion for crofting and Scotland's crofting communities, as well as her expertise and her many achievements since taking office."

These had included leading a comprehensive review of Crofting Commission policies and procedures, and working to raise the profile commission.

The minister continued: "I look forward to meeting the remaining commissioners later this month, when I will discuss with them next steps for appointing a new convener and filling the vacancy on the commission, in line with crofting legislation."

The 2010 act requires Scottish ministers to either select a member to be the convener or delegate that task to the commission.

Dr Michael Foxley, the former leader of the Highland Council who is a crofter himself and had stood unsuccessfully for election to the commission, said: "There is no doubt the convener should come from those commissioners who have been directly elected by the crofting community."

Mrs Walker was unavailable for comment last night.