CROFTING CONDITIONS
SIR.-- Many in the crofting counties and country districts of Scotland must have been cheered by Sir Compton Mackenzie's ' Side- light ' in the Spectator of May 14th. Principal Taylor's report gives great encouragement, but it is essential that action and support are immediate if further depopulation and a great drop in production are to be prevented. Apathy, delay and lack of understanding have caused so much damage that the remaining population are almost hopeless in certain areas.
While a number of landowners and large stock farmers are doing splendid work, the area of land they control is comparatively small and we are still dependent on the smaller, medium-sized farms and crofts. Therefore it is essential that adequate water supplies and sewerage are provided for our villages, crofts and small farms immediately unless they are to become completely desolate. People will continue to leave houses without them, now they are to be enjoyed elsewhere. Subsidies and grants have saved a great deal; but what is left of them when we have such very heavy frieght charges by sea, road and rail for the outlying highlands and islands ?
M. WILLISON Island of Laing, Argyll
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