Annual Notice 

The Crofting Commission is required to give notice to crofters to make an annual declaration regarding their croft through the Annual Notice. This is a legislative duty, which was implemented as part of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010.

Crofters are asked to provide information on whether they are complying with their duties.  This will help to establish a clear picture of the current state of crofting, and enable the Commission to build up the evidence base for the value of crofting.  With the information provided, the Commission will be able to better understand and raise issues facing the future of crofting.

As of the 2021 all Annual Notice returns must be completed digitally online. Links and a QR code to take you to the portal will be included on your Annual Notice letter. There are also links to the Annual Notice return page on our home page.

The online portal will be open from the 6th of January 2025, which can be accessed by clicking this link, and you can complete your return as soon as you receive your letter by mail, which contains your unique passcode.

Crofters can contribute to the future of their crofts and communities by:

• Completing the Annual Notice and providing the Commission with valuable information
• Understanding their responsibilities as a crofter
• Making sure they fulfil the duties of a crofter
• Taking steps to put things right if they are not fulfilling their duties.

What are the duties of a crofter?

• A duty to be a resident on, or within 32 kilometres of, their croft
• A duty not to neglect their croft
• A duty to cultivate and maintain their croft or to put it to another purposeful use.

The Crofting Commission is on hand to support and advise crofters on the various options available to them in complying with their duties. 

You can view the frequently asked questions about the Annual Notice.

For more information about the duties of a crofter, a leaflet can be downloaded, by using this link Crofter's Duties 

Our privacy notice can be viewed at Annual Notice Privacy Notice

The 2024 Annual Notice will be issued in January 2025 and all crofters must complete their return digitally by 6 April 2025.   

If you have any questions please call us or email and we’ll be happy to assist with your query.

telephone: 01463 663439 or email annualnotice@crofting.gov.scot