and promotes the interests of crofting in Scotland
to secure the future of crofting.
Crofting Commission to Enforce Annual Notice Compliance and Crofting Duties
04/03/2025
Crofting Commission to Enforce Annual Notice Compliance and Crofting Duties
The Crofting Commission is today, Tuesday 4th of March 2025, reminding all crofters and owner-occupier crofters of their legal obligation to submit their annual notice by the deadline of April 7th, 2025. Failure to comply could result in enforcement action.
The annual notice is a crucial tool for the Commission to monitor and ensure the proper management of croft land. It provides essential information about land use and helps to maintain the integrity of the crofting system.
“The annual notice is a legal requirement, and it is essential that all crofters comply with this obligation,” said Andrew Thin, Chair of the Crofting Commission. “We rely on this information to ensure that crofting land is being used effectively and in accordance with the law. We will be taking action against those who fail to submit their notices.”
In addition to enforcing the annual notice, the Crofting Commission, in collaboration with colleagues at the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID), will be conducting visits to crofters who have not submitted their notices. These visits will assess compliance with crofting duties and ensure that crofters are actively managing their land.
“We are committed to ensuring that crofting continues to thrive, and that means holding crofters accountable for their responsibilities,” stated Gary Campbell, Chief Executive of the Crofting Commission. “Since 2020, the Crofting Commission has terminated over 20 croft tenancies for non-compliance. We will not hesitate to take appropriate action, including considering tenancy termination, against those who fail to submit their annual notices and are found to be neglecting their crofting duties. Crofting is a privilege with responsibilities, and we will ensure those responsibilities are upheld.”
Crofters who fail to submit their annual notices by the deadline may face enforcement action, including but not limited to, formal warnings, financial penalties, and, in severe cases, termination of their croft tenancy.
The Crofting Commission urges all crofters and owner-occupier crofters to submit their annual notices promptly to avoid any potential enforcement action. Information on the Annual Notice can be found at the Crofting Commission’s website or by calling 01463 663488.
ENDS
