Several new crofting areas are to be introduced after a public consultation found strong public support for expanding the regions where crofts can be created.

The remaining areas of the Highlands not already covered by crofting regulations will be included under the new plans, as well as the Arran, Bute, Greater and Little Cumbrae, and Moray areas.

Once approved by Parliament this will allow landowners in these areas to apply to the Crofters Commission to legally convert their land to crofts, while smallholders will be able to apply to convert the status of their land to a crofting tenure.

"Crofting has a real role to play in not only maintaining vibrant populations and thriving communities in Scotland's less accessible areas but enabling them to grow and prosper," said Environment Minister Michael Russell.

"We want to see inclusive and dynamic crofting communities and the designation of new crofting areas will aid the sustainable economic growth of these areas. The consultation provoked a number of responses but it's fair to say that a strong majority were favourable.

"We will now look at extending the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grants Scheme to the whole of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Area to ensure crofters in the new area can fully benefit from this funding," he added.

The announcement comes a week after Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead unveiled a review of land use in Scotland, in particular looking at how land use can contribute to sustainable economic growth and work to prevent climate change.