How the changing face of farming is reflected in Scotland's election

“Traditionally, that wouldn’t have been a thing. Crofts would have changed hands for small amounts of money, maybe the agricultural value of the land — whereas now they’re being seen much more as a development opportunity.”

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In some areas which are popular with tourists, the prices being demanded are blocking young people from entering crofting.

There have even been examples of people moving in and not realising they are buying a croft, which comes with a legal obligation to put the land to productive use.

Crofting is a traditional way of life, but the way they operate has been modernising. More people are diversifying their income and there is less emphasis on rearing livestock on common grazing land.

The main parties agree that crofting is a part of Scotland’s culture which needs to be protected.

The SNP says a Rural Renewal Bill would, among other things, revitalise support and opportunities for new entrants, while Labour says its cap on direct support payments for larger businesses would free up additional cash for crofters.

The Conservatives say they would encourage both crofting and tourism while the Greens say they recognise there are issues around land changing hands.