Decrofting (part croft)

Decrofting is taking land out of crofting, meaning it is no longer subject to crofting law. We generally allow part croft decrofting only for a reasonable purpose, such as:

• Building houses, halls, churches, or schools
• Building roads, harbours, or piers
• Generating energy
• Purposes likely to provide employment

Who can apply?

• A tenant crofter
• An owner-occupier crofter
• A landlord of a vacant or part-vacant croft

Is this the right application for me?

• Use this application if you are decrofting part of a croft for a reasonable purpose.
• If you are decrofting the whole of your croft, you should apply for whole croft decrofting.

How to apply

To apply, complete the ‘decrofting (part croft) form. Please read the guidance notes first. If your application doesn't match the register of crofts or is incomplete, we won't be able to process it. You can submit your application online or by post. First, search for your croft and then find the correct form.

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You must also include:

• Your planning permission reference number (or a letter from the council confirming permission is not required). We cannot approve your application without this.
• A detailed site map of the area being applied for.
• Registers of Scotland application: If your croft is not already registered with the Registers of Scotland, you must submit a first registration (Form A). If your croft is registered, you'll submit a subsequent event (Form B) if the application is approved. Each Registers of Scotland application has a fee of £90. We will process and forward these applications on your behalf.

The process

• Initial checks: We'll check your application for completeness and correct planning documentation.
• Advertising: We will advertise your proposal in a local newspaper for a 28-day public consultation period to allow for objections.
• Decision: We aim to make a decision on straightforward applications that meet all the parameters within 16 weeks. We cannot make a decision until your croft is registered with the Registers of Scotland.

What happens after a decision?

We will notify you of our decision.

• If approved:
  • You will be sent a decrofting direction.
  • Tenant crofters or their nominee must buy the land within 5 years for the decrofting to take effect.
  • The decrofting takes effect on the day the decrofting direction is registered with the Registers of Scotland.
• If refused: You have 42 days to appeal our decision to the Scottish Land Court. You can find more information about this on our appeals page.

Further information

Decrofting law, policy and procedure following termination of a tenancy 

Decrofting law policy and procedure 

Delegated decision making and escalating cases 

General policy response for planning consultations