The Crofting Commission has started moving the core application types to a new digital system that allows the initial application to be made online. This new system is faster than a paper route, more secure, allows multiple parties to complete an application simultaneously, and is better for the environment.

As the system grows more functionality will be added to bring greater benefits to applicants. For further information please visit digital applications.

As part of the digital application process the Commissions website has been updated to include a new form finder functionality. The website will now ask you 3 questions:

1. The holding that you wish to make an application against
2. To choose who the application is in the name of, from a list of people we associate to the selected holding
3. To choose the type of application you wish to make from a drop down

This form finder makes sure that you are getting the correct application process or form based on the circumstances of the holding and applicant. This helps us to reduce errors caused by incorrect forms being chosen, and saves time.

If you prefer to select from a list instead this option is still available at the last step of the form finder by clicking the link to make an offline application. To visit the form finder please click on this link form finder.

When you start an application now, either from the main Commission website or the digital application portal, you are prompted to go through a form finder that asks for the holding the application is against, then the stakeholder that the application is in the name of.

Using these two pieces of known information the form finder will restrict the available application type options to those appropriate for the selected holding and applicant.

If the applicant or application type does not show up it may be that our records need to be updated, or that the application type you are looking to start cannot be made against the holding and stakeholder combination chosen. In this case please email the Commission the details at digitalapplications@crofting.gov.scot

Currently the system is in a soft launch phase and not all applcaition types are available digitally yet. More application types will become available over time and as they become available digitally the option to apply online will automatically appear for each applcaition type.

In the meantime you can still use the paper form application process as normal for any application type.

Not a problem. The digital application process brings many benefits but is still completely optional and there is no restriction to downloading one of our paper based PDF forms and applying that way instead.

No, the digital system has been designed to be accessible to anyone.

If you are one of the solicitors or agents who commonly submit applications to the Commission then you do not need to worry, you are already considered a recognised solicitor or agent and need only create an account with your work email address at the link below:

Crofting Commission digital applications portal

If you are not already in the system please email us at digitalapplications@crofting.gov.scot and we will discuss adding you to the system.

By a recognised solicitor or agent we mean a member of a professional organisation who has their domain registered on our digital system. This allows organisations with multiple employees to easily manage a caseload of work, and allows the submission of digital applications for Assignations and Letting application types.

NOTE: the Commission does not endorse or recommend any agent or party on the basis of them being considered a recognised solicitor or agent.

Once a digital application is submitted to the Commission it will be saved on the personal dashboard of the submitting party and will treated like any other application. Once any required paper forms are also sent, such as where a Registers of Scotland for is needed, your application will be progressed with the same priority as a paper based application although preliminary work may commence on the applciation before the additional paper forms are recevied.

Certain types of digital application may require modified documents to be sent after submission, such as a rectified map. Where these can be accepted digitally, these can be added using the digital applications portal.

Once the Commission has made a decision you will be posted a decision letter as normal.

No, they are not.

Once the application is received by the Commission it is treated like any other application and dealt with in strict time order. Digital applications will never be given priority over paper based applications.

Currently these forms still need to be posted to the Commission at the below address:

Crofting Commission,
Great Glen House,
Leachin Road,
Inverness
IV3 8NW

The Crofting Commission is working with Registers of Scotland to allow the submission of their required forms in the future, and once this is possible the application process will be updated to reflect this.