and promotes the interests of crofting in Scotland
to secure the future of crofting.
Accessibility Statement for the Crofting Commission website
The Crofting Commission is committed to making its website(s) accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
This accessibility statements applies to the Commissions website and online application portal.
These website(s) are partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliance(s) listed below.
- Some colour contrasts use do not yet meet the minimum requirements for visual impairments
- Some navigation features are not optimised for keyboard usage and increased page zoom levels
- Current files uploaded are in PDF format and lack appropriate descriptive tags to enable screen readers to detail the contents for those with visual impairments
We are currently working on improving the accessibility of the site. An assessment was carried out by the Shaw Trust which presented it's results in April 2023, highlighting the following areas that the Commission is now addressing:
We are working to make
- colour contrasts for easier reading
- keyboard only navigation to be improved and added for accordian sections
- Better accessibility for uploaded files
Larger fonts can be achieved by pressing Ctrl + or - keys to adjust the text size.
A large amount of the historical data we hold such as decrofting directions and apportionment orders are available only as pdf scans of images which are not fully accessible to screen readers. Please contact us if you require any of these documents in an accessible format.
Other PDFs, Word and Excel documents such as application forms, board papers and our Annual Report may need updating to make them more accessible.
It is not always obvious which elements on our site are focused, which hampers navigation for keyboard users.
We have some forms on webpages which need to be better structured.
We are keen to hear from anyone who experiences problems accessing and part of this site or thinks we are not meeting our accessibility requirements, please tell us.
If you need information on this website in a different format like accessible PDF, large print or audio recording:
- Email ComplianceHub@Crofting.gov.scot
- Telephone: 01463 663439 or write to us at
- Crofting Commission, Compliance Hub, Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness, IV3 8NW
We will get back to you within 5 working days.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS). They are an independent advice service and will advise you on what to do next.
The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.
- historic Decrofting Directions and maps
- historic pdf's - e.g Board Minutes
- Some colour contrasts use do not yet meet the minimum requirements for visual impairments
- Some navigation features are not optimised for keyboard usage and increased page zoom levels
- Current files uploaded are in PDF format and lack appropriate descriptive tags to enable screen readers to detail the contents for those with visual impairments
Each of these items are in non accessible formats due to an incompatible historic file format. Correction of these would require the reproduction of all historic documents which would be a non viable course of action due to the volumes involved.
The accessibility regulations do not cover PDF or other documents published before 23 September 2018 if they're not essential to providing our services.
The menu along the top of the webpage fails the dismissible requirement because it's not possible to dismiss submenus without moving the pointer or keyboard focus. This fails WCAG 1.4.13 standard. This will be fixed by December 2024.
Current files uploaded are in PDF format and lack appropriate descriptive tags to enable screen readers to detail the contents for those with visual impairments. This fails the WCAG 2.4.2 Page title, WCAG 1.4.3 Contrast and WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text content standards, and will be fixed by December 2024.
- historic Decrofting Directions and maps prior to September 2018
- historic pdf's - e.g Board Minutes prior to September 2018
We are currently working on improving the accessibility of the website, including making the navigation system more friendly for screen readers and keyboard users, and investigating ways to make all documents fully accessible by the end of 2024. We are currently undertaking work to revise our application forms and supporting guidance notes to be fully compliant. We have contracted an external specialist (The Shaw Trust) to review this website and its content to ensure we meet WCAG 2.1 AA standard. Once the issues identified are rectified the Shaw Trust will be invited to review the website again.
This statement was prepared on 01/12/2023 after full accessibility evaluation was carried out by The Shaw Trust in April 2023.
The statement was last reviewed on 27/03/2024.
