Apportionment

An apportionment is when a shareholder is granted exclusive use of a specific area of a common grazings. This area is fenced off for purposes like stock management, agricultural buildings, woodland, or a house site. The land remains in crofting tenure.

Who can apply?

Anyone who holds a share in a common grazings.

How to apply

To apply you will need: 

• An apportionment application form: Read the guidance notes before you fill it out. 
• A detailed site map: The map must meet our specific requirements.
• Planning documents: A copy of your planning permission, proof of your application, or a document stating that permission isn't required.
• Registers of Scotland application: If your croft is not on the crofting register, you will likely need to submit a first registration (Form A) application. If it is already registered, you will need to submit a subsequent event (Form B) application if your application is approved. There is a fee of £90, and we will check your application and forward it to Registers of Scotland.

You can submit your application online or by post. First search for your croft and then find the correct form.

Apply now

The process

• Initial checks: We will check your application and map to ensure they are correct and complete.
• Mapping: Our team will create a standard map of the proposed area. You must sign and return it to us.
• Advertising: We will give you guidance on how to advertise your application in a local paper. There will be a 28-day period for others to object or comment. We strongly recommend you speak with your grazings committee before applying to address any concerns.
• Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Division report: A local office will prepare a report on your application, which can take several months.
• Decision: If your application meets all the parameters (eg no objections, site is for an approved use), it can be processed more quickly. If it is more complex, it will take longer. We cannot make a decision until any required croft registration with the Registers of Scotland is complete.

What happens after a decision?

• If approved: We will issue an apportionment order and a map. The order will normally require you to fence the land and will reduce your grazing rights (souming) on the remaining common grazing. You must confirm that the apportionment has taken effect by submitting a form to us within three months.
• If refused: You will be informed of the reasons and can appeal the decision to the Scottish Land Court within 42 days. You can find more information about this on our appeals page.