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Request for a list of any vacant crofts in Scotland by region and the contact details of their respective owners/managers
Thank you for your recent request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. We have now completed our search for information regarding vacant crofts within the crofting counties. The number of vacant crofts within the following council areas are as follows: Argyll & Bute 80 Ayr 1 Highland 653 Orkney 124 Shetland 237 Western Isles 30 While we can provide you with the number of vacant crofts within a specific area, we are unable to provide a breakdown of vacant crofts to occupied crofts as per your request. As the number of crofts that are vacant legally under Section 23(10) of the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993, is not the same as vacant physically i.e. empty. Many crofts that are legally vacant, the owner lives on and uses the croft, but because the owner is not an "owner-occupier crofter" in terms of the legislation, the croft is classified legally as vacant. Additionally, you may wish to check local newspapers, estate agents or contacting the local estates/landlords. This may help you in regards to availability of crofts within a particular area, some have found a croft by placing a 'wanted' advertisement in the relevant local newspaper. Also, the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) is compiling a list of those interested in acquiring a croft and will provide information on how to find a croft and vacant crofts available. If you wish to be in this initiative please contact them at HQ@crofting.org or by phoning 01599 530005