New legislation aimed at supporting crofters and simplifying processes has passed through the Scottish Parliament, marking a significant step for rural communities across the Highlands and Islands.
The Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill introduces a series of changes designed to reduce bureaucracy, strengthen protections and give crofters a greater say in how land is used.
Among the measures are a new fast track process for transferring crofts within families, stronger powers for grazing committees and tighter controls on the separation of crofts and grazing shares.
The legislation also enhances the enforcement powers of the Crofting Commission and introduces new measures to protect croft land.
Scottish Ministers have committed to a wider review of crofting law within the next three years.
The Bill will also see the Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland brought together into a single body, retaining the identity of the Land Court and its requirement for Gaelic speaking representation.
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said:
“Crofting sits at the heart of the culture and heritage of the Highlands and Islands, sustaining many communities, and supporting the jobs and businesses for many people.
“At its heart this bill is about tackling the modern challenges faced by crofters.
“This is needed if we want to ensure the sustainability of crofting and crofting communities in the long term and enable a new generation of crofters to thrive for years to come.
“Creating an expanded Scottish Land Court will provide crofters and Scotland’s rural communities with a simpler and more coherent system for resolving disputes.”
Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess also welcomed aspects of the Bill while highlighting areas where further progress is needed.
Ariane Burgess said:
“Crofting is the backbone of rural communities right across the Highlands and Islands.
“While I’m pleased that this Bill will make crofters’ lives easier, it’s disappointing that it doesn’t attempt to answer some of the big questions facing the crofting community.
“What we needed to see was greater action to cool down the market in croft tenancies, a route map for getting more crofts on public land, and a simplification of crofting legislation.
“All of these would have ensured crofting’s accessible to new entrants.
“My amendment requiring the next Government to review crofting law should ensure there’s movement on these issues.
“I stand ready to work with anyone to secure further progress for crofters.”
She also secured amendments relating to the structure of the new Scottish Land Court and land access rights.
Ariane Burgess said:
“Thanks to the merger of Lands Tribunal for Scotland with the Scottish Land Court, land access legal cases will have a dedicated home.
“More focused legal expertise in this area will improve outcomes for those seeking to protect our unique right to roam.
“My amendments in this part of the Bill will update land access guidance for the first time in two decades and bind the Government to review how the new Land Court is functioning.
“Together, they will ensure that our laws in this area will continue to remain relevant for years to come.”
The legislation reflects ongoing efforts to support crofting communities while adapting to modern pressures.
With further review already planned, attention now turns to how the changes will be delivered and whether they meet the long term needs of crofters across the Highlands and Islands.
