and promotes the interests of crofting in Scotland
to secure the future of crofting.
Crofting Commission Board Addresses Government Direction on Duties, Focuses on Residency
13/05/2025
The Crofting Commission Board met on Wednesday, 7th May 2025 to discuss the instruction received from the Scottish Government, with a particular focus on the duties of crofters. Scottish Government Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie MSP, has emphasised the importance of ensuring these duties are prioritised, especially residency, given its significant impact on the economic and social viability of crofting communities.
The 2024 Annual Notice saw the largest return rate from crofters since its inception, however, there are still crofters who are not engaging with the Annual Notice process. The Annual Notice asks crofters on a yearly basis to confirm that they are complying with their crofting duties.
The Board resolved to take all possible steps to address these matters and is currently reviewing a comprehensive list of individuals who have not returned their Annual Notice for the 2024 reporting year. Commissioners felt that it is important that the Crofting Commission understand why some crofters are failing to comply with the law and that steps will be taken in the coming months to gain a better understanding of why a small number of crofters will not make their annual notice return.
Andrew Thin, Chair of the Crofting Commission, commented, "It is concerning that a number of crofters, including some with a high profile, have failed to submit their Annual Notice. This is not simply an administrative oversight; it is a criminal offence. The Commission takes this matter very seriously."
The Board will further review its plans and consider appropriate action following their next scheduled meeting in June.
