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Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill
New legislation to support crofters passed
Crofters will benefit from simplified processes and face less bureaucracy following the passing of the Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill.
The Bill introduces a new process for fast-tracking the transfer of a croft between family members, strengthens the role of grazing committees sharing common land, halts the separation of crofts and grazings shares except with Commission consent, and gives crofters a greater say in how the land they work on is used.
It streamlines the Crofting Commission’s duties enforcement processes and gives them new powers to protect croft land. The Bill also commits Scottish Ministers to begin a review of wider crofting legislation in the next three years. It will also bring in new powers which could be used to regulate the transfer of owner occupier crofter status bringing processes in line with requirements for tenant crofters.
The Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland will be amalgamated to create one cohesive body, the Scottish Land Court, retaining the identity and distinctive nature of the Scottish Land Court, including the statutory requirement for a Gaelic speaking member.
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said:
“Crofting sits at the heart of the culture and heritage of the Highlands and Islands, sustaining many communities, and supporting the jobs and businesses for many people. At its heart this bill is about tackling the modern challenges faced by crofters.
“This is needed if we want to ensure the sustainability of crofting and crofting communities in the long-term and enable a new generation of crofters to thrive for years to come.
“Creating an expanded Scottish Land Court will provide crofters and Scotland’s rural communities with a simpler and more coherent system for resolving disputes.”
The crofting proposals were developed through extensive engagement and close cooperation with stakeholders, with the consultation proposals receiving support from the majority of respondents.
The decision to unify the Scottish Land Court and Lands Tribunal for Scotland was taken following a public consultation. Scottish Ministers committed to bringing forward legislation to enact the merger during the life of this Parliament.
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