What is Crofting?

Crofting is a way of renting, owning and using land in Scotland. The social, economic and cultural impacts of crofting strengthen communities in the Highlands and Islands.

21,000 crofts
- 72% rented (tenant)
- 28% owned
Covering more than 750,000 hectares of land
30,000 people living in crofting households
Register of crofts

Crofts are small and are usually rented by tenants. Some have buildings or houses, some do not. An average croft is about 5 hectares but can be smaller and sometimes more than 50 hectares.

Crofting has been governed by its own legislation since 1886 and is regulated by the Crofting Commission.

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