Crofting Commission Announces Winter Schedule of Public Meetings to Support New Strategic Direction

The Crofting Commission has announced a comprehensive schedule of public meetings across the crofting counties to take place throughout the winter months. This initiative marks a significant shift towards a more proactive and public-facing approach by the Commission’s Board of Commissioners.

The meetings, which will be held in various locations across the Highlands and Islands, are designed to provide a platform for crofters, stakeholders, and those with an interest in the sector to engage directly with Commissioners. This outreach programme signals the Commissioners’ commitment to being more accessible and responsive to the communities they serve.

Listening to the Heart of Crofting

The Commission recognises that the most effective way to develop robust policy is to engage with those on the ground. By listening to the first-hand issues, concerns, and positive developments shared by crofters, the Commission can ensure that its strategic guidance and policy-making are rooted in the practical realities of modern crofting.

Andrew Thin, Chair of the Crofting Commission, commented:
“We are entering a new chapter for the Crofting Commission—one where we are determined to be more visible and more engaged with the people we regulate and support. These winter meetings are not just a formality; they are a vital opportunity for us to listen. Understanding the challenges and the successes of crofters at a local level is essential if we are to create the right policy and guidance at a strategic level. We want to hear your views, and we want to work together to ensure a vibrant future for crofting.”

Engagement Opportunities
The schedule includes sessions in the Western Isles, Skye, Argyll, and the mainland crofting counties. Each meeting will allow for open discussion on key topics, including the implementation of recent crofting legislation, the management of common grazings, and the Commission’s ongoing efforts to organises and bring vacant crofts back into active use.
All members of the crofting community and the general public are warmly invited to attend. No prior registration is required, though attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure a seat.
Full details of venues and times will be updated weekly on the Crofting Commission website and social media channels.