Crofters urged to have their say on 2027 Commission elections

The Crofting Commission is asking crofters across Scotland to take part in a short survey to help shape how it communicates about the Crofting Commission elections taking place in March 2027.

The five-minute survey is part of the Commission’s preparations for the elections and will help build a clearer picture of what crofters currently know about the Commission, the work of its Board and the role of an elected Commissioner.

It will also explore how people want to receive information about the elections, what might encourage them to vote or consider standing as a candidate, and where there may currently be gaps in understanding.

The Commission wants to hear from as wide a range of people involved in crofting as possible, including those who may not have engaged with previous elections.

Andrew Thin, Chair of the Crofting Commission, said:
“We want crofters themselves to help us shape the way we communicate about these elections.

“It is important that people understand not only how and when they can take part, but also what the Crofting Commission does and what being an elected Commissioner actually involves.

“Commissioners have an important strategic role in helping to set the direction and priorities of the organisation and in scrutinising its work. We want to understand how well that role is currently understood, what might encourage more people to consider standing and what information people need before deciding how to vote.

“We also want people to tell us where and how they would like to hear from us. Rather than assuming we know the best way to reach crofters, this survey gives people an opportunity to tell us directly.

“Whether you have taken part in every previous election or know very little about them at the moment, we would really like to hear your views. Five minutes of your time now can help us make the information we provide ahead of March much more useful.”

The survey also asks about the different ways people prefer to receive information, including online, by email, through social media, by post and through organisations and networks within crofting communities.

Responses are anonymous and the findings will be used by the Crofting Commission to inform its planning for the 2027 election communications campaign.

The survey takes around five minutes to complete.

Take part in the survey:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/fYsXBPfscp
The Commission is also encouraging crofters to share the survey with others in their communities to help gather as broad a range of views as possible.