and promotes the interests of crofting in Scotland
to secure the future of crofting.
Crofting Commission Takes Firm Action on Annual Notice Non-Returns
01/07/2025
The Crofting Commission today announced a significant step in its efforts to ensure compliance with crofting duties, confirming that it will be sending formal correspondence to approximately 3,500 crofters who failed to submit their Annual Notice for the 2024 reporting year.
The Annual Notice is a statutory requirement, issued annually to all crofters to confirm their compliance with essential crofting duties. Failure to return this notice is a criminal offence.
While the 2024 Annual Notice saw an improved return rate of 75%, approximately 4,900 entries in the Register of Crofts remain undeclared. This lack of information hinders the Commission's ability to accurately assess the status of crofts and ensure that statutory duties are being met, which is a key ministerial priority.
Gary Campbell, Chief Executive of the Crofting Commission, stated: "The Annual Notice is fundamental to the regulation of crofting and the proper stewardship of our unique crofting system. While we always aim to support crofters, it is imperative that everyone understands and fulfils their legal obligations. Failure to return the Annual Notice is a serious matter, and we are now taking direct action to address this."
The letters being dispatched will clearly outline the legal implications of non-compliance and serve as a strong warning that future failures to return the Annual Notice, particularly the 2025 notice due in January 2026, could result in reports to the Procurator Fiscal and potential criminal proceedings against those who have not complied with the requirements.
"Our ultimate goal is to work with crofters to achieve a 100% return rate," added Mr. Campbell. "This campaign is not just about enforcement; it's about education, support, and ensuring the long-term health and viability of crofting for the benefit of individuals and communities across Scotland. We urge all crofters to familiarise themselves with their duties, especially the requirement to be ordinarily resident within 20 miles of their croft, and to seek assistance from the Commission if they encounter difficulties."
The Crofting Commission remains committed to a robust and comprehensive communications campaign alongside its regulatory steps, reinforcing the message that compliance is essential for the future of crofting.
