and promotes the interests of crofting in Scotland
to secure the future of crofting.
Rod MacKenzie resigns from Crofting Commission roles
07/07/2021
Rod Mackenzie has resigned from both his role as the Crofting Commission’s Convener, and his role as Commissioner from East Highlands. He has intimated this to the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands and resigned with immediate effect. Mr Mackenzie who had retained the support of his fellow Commissioners cited his reason as ‘ongoing issues which he was not personally comfortable with’.
The Board had a constructive meeting with the Cabinet Secretary, Ms Gougeon and her officials on Friday, and we await Scottish Ministers appointment of a new Convener.
Mairi Mackenzie, Vice Convener, commented: “The Board thanks Rod for all that he has done in his role, he has been an excellent Convener. As an active Crofter, his vast knowledge and understanding of Crofting, along with his leadership qualities has helped lead a very cohesive board. In response to Rod’s resignation, the Board acknowledges the issues and are developing an action plan with a strict timeline to address them. The Board knows Rod will continue to support Crofters in his professional career as an Auctioneer with Dingwall Mart.”
Commenting on his hopes for his successor, and the future of the Crofting Commission, Mr Mackenzie said: “My hope is that the Commission continues working on becoming more approachable and forward thinking in order to support Scotland’s crofters.
Like any regulator, the Commission has its critics,” he noted; “however, it’s a vital organisation for upholding the crofters’ role in managing large swathes of Scotland’s land for food production and biodiversity, as well as being at the heart of our rural and remote communities.”
