IAN Blackford has invited King Charles to visit him on his croft on the Isle of Skye.
The former leader of the SNP at Westminster has previously made a similar request to the King in an effort to boost the profile of crofting in Scotland.
He said: “He has a love of crofting and is a champion of the way of life.
“I have offered the opportunity previously and would reiterate that welcome for him to share the experience again as it would give a boost to crofting at a time when it especially needs it.
“I know the King would love to enjoy working on a croft again and I hope His Majesty will find time in his busy schedule ahead.”
King Charles previously spent a few days working as a crofter on the island of Berneray in the 1980’s, where he planted trees, picked potatoes and helped tend to the sheep.
Blackford, who recently stepped down as the SNP’s leader at Westminster, lives on a 10-acre croft at Waternish on the Isle of Skye.
After a successful career in finance, Blackford moved to Skye with his wife Anne in 2004 when they were able to purchase a croft that had historical connections to her family.
During his time as an MP, Blackford has consistently been a champion for crofting.
However, he has previously faced criticism from environmentalists after calling for a cull of white-tailed sea eagles, which crofters say prey upon lambs.
His working sheepdog Maisie previously made a splash when she barked at Boris Johnson during Prime Minister’s Questions when Blackford appeared via video link.
Blackford said of his pet: “She has become quite a star with quite a following – she can smell out Tory sleaze from 600 miles away.”
