100 year-old bull hire scheme review completed

The Bull Hire Review Group, led by Sarah Allen, was established to investigate and put to the Government practical options to encourage crofters to work together to keep high-quality cattle in remote rural Scotland.

It was also asked to identify those parts of the country where crofting communities would be unable, without support, to maintain quality livestock and to provide options to Ministers on a cost-effective way of providing access to bulls.

This arises from the recommendation by the Committee of Inquiry into Crofting headed by Professor Mark Shucksmith that the 100 year old Bull Hire scheme should be ended because it does nore represent value for money.

An estimated 1,800 crofters keep cattle yet only around 450 use the Bull Hire Scheme.  Approximately 120 bulls are involved in the scheme, most kept at stud farms on the outskirts of Inverness.

The argument, however, is not only financial. It is about the genetic strength of the rural cattle population. The proposed replacement for the Bull Hire scheme was that several crofters would share a common bull amongst their herds. Over a period of time such a practice would, of course, impact on the gene pool of cattle in the rural areas where it was employed.

Ms Allen’s review report has now been handed to Government. Those involved in its production have been thanked by Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham. An announcement of its decision is expected in the New Year.

Highlands and Islands MSP, Jamie McGrigor, was a consistent champion of the scheme and has campaigned for its reinstatement.