Common grazings

Common grazings are an important part of the crofting system. We oversee the regulations and applications related to these shared lands. As a landlord, your input is crucial in these processes.

Regulations

We must approve any new or updated grazings. Before giving approval, we will consult with you, the owner. You'll receive a copy of any new or changed regulations.

What if regulations are not followed?

Any new or updated grazings regulations must be approved by us. Before giving approval, we will consult with you, the owner. You'll receive a copy of any new or changed regulations.

Applications

Here’s how you'll be involved in specific common grazings applications:

• Apportionment
  • Notification: The applicant will place an advertisement in a local newspaper.
  • Your role: You can provide comments to us for consideration.
• Using common grazings for other purposes
  • Notification: The committee must inform you of the plan and get your feedback before they submit the application to us. The application will also be advertised in a local newspaper.
  • Your role: You should engage with the grazings committee. The proposed use must not negatively affect your interests as the owner.
• Joint forestry venture
  • Notification: The crofter or grazings committee will inform you of the proposed plan.
  • Your role: You must provide your written agreement. The agreement must then be lodged with us.
• Using common grazings for forestry
  • Notification: Your written agreement is needed for the application to proceed.
  • Your role: You should engage with the grazings committee on the application.
• Enlargement of common grazings
  • Notification: This is a joint application submitted by both you and the crofters.
  • Your role: You should engage with the grazings committee before the application is submitted.