Crofting FAQs

More often than not we are asked "What exactly is a croft?" or "What is a crofter?" and so for this reason we have listed below the answers to these and other frequently asked questions.
 
What is a crofter?
What is a croft?
What are the Crofting Acts?
How big is a croft?
What type of land use takes place on a croft?
How can I get a croft?
What would it cost?
What is the Crofters Commission?  
 
    
What is a crofter?

A crofter is normally the tenant of a croft, and pays rent to the landlord of the croft.

What is a croft?

A croft is a small agricultural unit situated in one of the former counties of Shetland, Orkney, Caithness, Sutherland, Ross-shire, Inverness-shire and Argyll in the north of Scotland, and held subject to the provisions of the Crofting Acts. A landlord may have many crofts on his estate. The rent paid by the crofter, except in fairly rare circumstances, is only for the bare land of the croft, as the house and any agricultural buildings and infrastructure are provided by the crofter himself. Since 1976 it has been legally possible for a crofter to acquire title to his croft, thus becoming an owner-occupier. He is legally required to live on the croft; otherwise he will be required to himself take a tenant.

What are the Crofting Acts?

The first crofting act was passed in 1886 to give security of tenure to crofters, protecting them from further forced removal from the land. There have been a number of subsequent pieces of legislation, and all have been amalgamated into the Crofters (Scotland) Act of 1993. The acts are administered by the Crofters Commission. A new Crofting Act is proposed as part of the Scottish Executive's Land Reform Programme.

How big is a croft?

The average size of a croft is around 5 hectares, but some are only .5 ha while a few can extend to 50ha of land, plus a share in hill grazing which is held in common with other crofters in a township. Most crofts cannot support a family or give full-time employment, and their tenants have other occupations to provide the main part of their income. Many crofters have diversified into small-scale tourism and off-croft employment ranges from postman to policeman to lorry driver, doctor, teacher, haulage contractor, tele-worker or weaver.

What type of land use takes place on a croft?

The main product is lamb and beef, which are sold on to lowland farmers for fattening and finishing, since this is not cost-effective in the west due to climatic and soil quality constraints. Some winter keep and potatoes may be grown across the area, and crofters are increasingly diversifying into horticulture, producing a wide range of seasonally available fruits, vegetables and plants. Interest in forestry, woodland and renewable energy are also gaining in prominence.

How can I get a croft?

Few croft tenancies come onto the market. Those that do are in great demand. Available tenancies are advertised in the property sections of local newspapers such as the Oban Times, Stornoway Gazette, West Highland Free Press, Shetland Times, Press and Journal. Solicitors offices and estate agents handle such sales and can be approached directly to find out what might be available. A direct approach could also be made to estates within the crofting counties, as they might possibly have a vacant tenancy.

The consent of the Crofters Commission is required in any change of tenancy to a person outwith the immediate family of the current tenant and their consent is also required for the reletting directly from an estate of a vacant croft. The Commission will take into account local crofting demand and interests, and whether the proposed person intends to live on the croft and work it, and make a contribution to the local crofting community. Owner-occupied crofts can also come onto the market.

The Crofters Commission, in partnership with Local Enterprise Companies, runs Croft Entrants Schemes to help new entrants make a start in crofting. These schemes endeavour to link potential crofters with those who may be about to give up active crofting.

What would it cost?

The price will depend on the size and quality of land on the croft, any buildings and fences and their state of repair, the location and other demand, etc. The Commission has a policy of attempting to encourage prices to remain at a level which is accessible to the many young local residents of the crofting counties who might hope to obtain a croft.

What is the Crofters Commission?

The Commission is a government department which administers crofting. Its remit is to reorganise, develop and regulate crofting; to promote the interests of crofters; and to keep under review all matters relating to crofting.