Crofting in the Outer Hebrides

Abstract

economy is crofting. Crofting is a system of hereditary tenure of small patches of cultivated land combined with rights on common grazing land. The physical conditions in the Hebrides are so restrictive and the density of population so great, that the crofts of the islands are incapable in themselves of supporting the population. The crofters normally engage, therefore, in some complementary activity such as fishing, spinning, weaving of Harris Tweed, kelp-gathering, or lobster fishing. Such strength as the economy has, and considerable has been developed in the past half-century, results from the flexibility and complementary nature of the dual occupation pattern. OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN