Tourism

Croft tourism is one of the more popular forms of croft diversification. Tourism is generally an acceptable diversification of crofting.

Crofts and their use are regulated by the Crofting Commission and there are certain duties which must be undertaken.

Crofters' Duties:

• ordinarily resident on, or within 32 kilometres of, the croft
• must not misuse or neglect the croft
• must cultivate the croft or put it to another purposeful use

Definition of Purposeful Use:

‘Purposeful use’ as mentioned above, is ‘any planned or managed use of croft land, which does not adversely affect the croft, the public interest, the interests of the landlord or owner, or the use of adjacent land’.   Tourism would generally fall within this definition.

Purposeful use requires the written permission of the Landlord. If the Landlord refuses permission, then a regulatory application for ‘Another Purposeful Use’ can be submitted to the Commission - Find an application form | Crofting Commission (scotland.gov.uk)

Tourism Diversification:

If you are considering putting a structure, like a pod, on your croft, you should consult the planning department of the Local Authority in your area. The planners will provide advice and guidance on all aspects of planning requirements for tourism developments.

For a list of Local Authorities, click on the link below to 'Planning Considerations'.

Location of Tourism Structure:

The location of your tourism structure should take into account the recommendations of the Commission's 'key considerations for planning', which can be found on the webpage 'Planning Considerations' (link below). 

The 'Conditions of Tenure' (also known as Schedule 2 conditions) should also be considered. Information about the Conditions of Tenure can be found by clicking this link Planning Considerations 

Organisations which support tourism & agritourism:

If you have further queries, or would like more information, please get in touch -Email: development@crofting.gov.scot

The Crofting Commission recommends that legal advice should be sought before commencing a project.