Crofting Commission Reports Over 50% Milestone for 2025 Annual Notices; Urges Remaining Crofters to Act Before April Deadline
The Crofting Commission has today announced that more than half of Scotland’s crofters have already submitted their mandatory 2025 Annual Notice. While the Commission welcomes this strong early response, it is issued a firm reminder to those who have yet to submit: the deadline of 6th April 2026 is fast approaching.
The Annual Notice is a legal requirement under the Crofting Act. It serves as a formal confirmation that crofters are fulfilling their statutory duties, which include:
- Residency: Living within 32km of the croft.
- Cultivation: Actively farming or putting the land to purposeful use.
- Maintenance: Ensuring the croft is maintained and not neglected.
Compliance and Enforcement
The Commission is now actively following up on non-returners and those who have indicated they are not complying with their duties. Following a series of joint inspections conducted last year with partners at Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID), the Commission is emphasising that failure to return the notice or a breach of duties can result in formal action against the tenant or owner-occupier.
Andrew Thin, Chair of the Crofting Commission, said:
“Reaching the 50% mark is a positive indicator that the majority of crofters take their responsibilities seriously. However, the Annual Notice is not optional. It is a vital tool that protects the integrity of the crofting system. We are committed to following up on every outstanding notice to ensure that crofting land remains a productive and lived-in asset for our communities.”
Clarification on Tenancies and Short-Term Lets
A key point of clarity for this year concerns sublets and short-term lets. The Commission reminds all crofters that even if a let is in place, the legal responsibility to complete the Annual Notice lies with the crofter/owner-occupier, not the tenant or the person currently using the land.
Quick, Free, and Accessible
Completing the notice has never been more efficient. Following a redesign of the online portal based on user feedback, the average completion time is now less than three minutes.
Commissioner Mairi Renwick MacKenzie added:
“We have listened to crofters and made the digital process fast, easy, and intuitive. I also want to be very clear: there is absolutely no need to pay a third party or consultant to fill this in for you. Our staff are standing by to help you for free. We want to support you in staying compliant, not see you face unnecessary costs or legal hurdles.”
How to Complete Your Notice
Crofters can submit their notice in two ways:
- Online: Via the newly redesigned, user-friendly portal at the Crofting Commission website.
- By Phone: Call the dedicated helpline at 01463 663 488. A member of the team will complete the notice for you over the phone, free of charge.
All 2025 Annual Notices must be submitted by 6th April 2026 to avoid further action.