But the individuals manage their crofts as sole tenants, and may try new ideas or dispense with old ones according to what they wish for themselves and their families. But both individualism and collectivism are constrained by external factors. There are some full time crofters earning their entire living from agriculture, but these are in the minority. Most crofters require another occupation - sometimes several part time occupations, and sometimes one principal job. When such employment is not available, the crofting system is under threat, with emigration and depopulation a likely outcome.
Problems arise when that balance is upset.
Crofting is hard, often back-breaking work. No matter the attachment to land, tradition and culture, there is nothing pleasant about long hours in the driving rain and wind gathering sheep from rough hillsides. If the return is so low as to discourage young people from taking on the task, the number of working crofts will rapidly diminish. Greater efficiency, leading to higher earnings and better conditions is desirable. This requires investment in equipment, buildings, and in the development of techniques which will produce better sheep and cattle which will fetch higher prices.