Scottish Government Unveils Findings from Crofting Law Reform Consultation

On November 15, 2024, the Scottish Government released an independent analysis of public consultation responses regarding proposed reforms to crofting law, a move designed to enhance the management and sustainability of crofting throughout Scotland. This consultation, which ran for three months, aimed to solicit feedback from crofters and stakeholders across the nation, ensuring that the upcoming legislative changes reflect the needs and aspirations of the community.

The analysis revealed a broad spectrum of opinions on several key proposals. Among the recommendations are measures aimed at supporting individuals looking to enter the crofting system. This initiative underscores the importance of fostering new generations of crofters, thereby ensuring the continuation and vitality of this traditional way of life. Additionally, the proposed reforms seek to clarify the community aspects of crofting law, an essential factor in maintaining the collaborative spirit of crofting communities.

Another significant part of the reform includes promoting the use of common grazings. These shared lands, traditionally used for grazing livestock, are now being recognized for their potential contributions to environmental sustainability. By integrating environmental purposes into the framework of common grazings, the government aims to encourage practices that will benefit both the land and local ecosystems.

Strengthening crofters’ duties is another focus of the reform. Enhancing compliance with these responsibilities is crucial for maintaining the integrity of crofting lands and ensuring that they remain productive and sustainable. In tandem with this, the proposed modifications to the Crofting Commission’s regulatory roles and powers aim to create a more responsive and effective governing body. Simplifications and corrections to existing legislation will further streamline processes and remove any ambiguities that currently hinder crofters.

During the consultation period, over 160 responses were submitted, reflecting a vibrant engagement from the crofting community. In addition to written submissions, 257 individuals actively participated in 15 consultation events held in crofting counties throughout July and August. These events provided a platform for open dialogue and facilitated conversations on the proposed reforms.

Minister for Agriculture Jim Fairlie expressed his satisfaction with the feedback received. He noted that most of the proposed reforms enjoyed considerable support, demonstrating a shared vision among crofters and stakeholders for the future of the sector. While some proposals attracted less enthusiasm, Fairlie was encouraged by the overall response and expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the consultation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with crofting communities, emphasizing the importance of attracting a new generation to the sector.

The Crofting Bill Group, re-established in 2022, played a critical role in shaping these proposals. Comprising a diverse range of stakeholders from within the crofting community, the group has been advising the government on priorities for reforming crofting law, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders are heard.

Consultation events were held across various locations, including Inverness, Thurso, Ullapool, Kinlochbervie, Skye, Lairg, Yell, Lerwick, Spean Bridge, Oban, Tiree, Stornoway, Harris, Benbecula, and Castlebay. These gatherings facilitated crucial conversations and enabled community members to express their views directly to policymakers.

For those interested in a deeper dive into the findings, the full report titled “Crofting Consultation 2024: Proposals for Crofting Law Reform – Analysis of Responses” is available on the Scottish Government’s website. The findings serve as a stepping stone towards revitalizing crofting law, ultimately benefitting both the local communities and the environment.