Enlargement

‘Enlargement’ of a croft is the term used when an owner of non-croft land agrees to grant a tenancy of that land to a crofter, so the non-croft land becomes part of an existing croft tenancy.

Who can apply?

This is a joint application by the croft tenant and the owner of the non-croft land being added.

Is this the right application for me? 

• This is the correct form if a landowner wants to grant a croft tenancy over land that is not currently a croft, part of a croft, or part of common grazings.
• If you want to grant a tenancy over a vacant croft as an enlargement, you should use ‘letting’.

Things to consider

• The croft to be enlarged must be tenanted.
• The enlargement must be of benefit to the croft and/or the crofter.
• We may raise concerns if the enlargement will result in the croft substantially exceeding 30 hectares.
• We recommend that you notify the croft landlord of your proposals
• You cannot be both the owner of the non-croft land, and the tenant of the croft that is to be enlarged

How do I apply?

To apply, complete the ‘enlargement’ application 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:

• A map showing the non-croft land to be added in relation to the existing croft boundaries.
• Registers of Scotland application: If the croft being enlarged 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 the application for completeness and ensure all required information is submitted.
• Decision: We aim to make a decision on straightforward applications that meet all the parameters within 16 weeks. We cannot make a decision until the original croft is registered with the Registers of Scotland.

What happens after a decision?

Both applicants and the landlord of the tenanted croft will be notified of the decision within 21 days.

• If approved a croft enlargement direction is granted:
  • If registering with Registers of Scotland for the first time: The crofter must notify us within 3 months that the change has taken effect. The enlargement takes effect on the date provided on this notification form.
  • If already registered: The enlargement takes effect on the date the subsequent event Form B 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

Enlargement law, policy and procedure