Crofting is becoming increasingly more popular

Young crofters will get support from a new network to encourage more into the industry across the Western Isles.

The launch this week in Stornoway attracted more than 200 people

The Western Isles Young Crofters aims to create a network of contacts for people involved in crofting along the 160-mile (257km) length of the Outer Hebrides.

Crofting is a system of landholding, which is unique to Scotland, and is an integral part of life in the Highlands & Islands.

According to the Crofting Commission, there are around 20,000 crofts across the crofting counties, which are in the Highlands & Islands and in designated areas in Scotland and around 13,500 crofters.

More than 750,000 hectares of land in Scotland is in crofting tenure, with approximately 33,000 people living in crofting households. 

The launch was supported by Lewis and Harris Sheep Producers Association and attended by members of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs.

One of the organisers, Ally Williamson, said: “In the last few years we have seen more and more young people attending sales, shows and events.

"There is obviously a growing interest in crofting but there is no dedicated organisation for them to get involved in.

"This event was about exploring demand for setting up such a group and the turnout has certainly shown that demand is there."