Crofting reform bill a ‘turning point’ for rural Scotland

NFU Scotland has welcomed the long-awaited Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill, introduced to the Scottish parliament on Monday 2 June, as a significant and overdue step towards securing the future of crofting in Scotland’s rural communities.

The landmark legislation (PDF) aims to simplify the complex legal framework surrounding crofting and give more power to crofting communities over how their land is used.

It also proposes the merger of the Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland into a single, more efficient body – the new Scottish Land Court – retaining a statutory requirement for at least one Gaelic-speaking member.

See also: Opinion: Crofting needs a ‘competent’ government plan

NFU Scotland’s rural business policy manager, Rhianna Montgomery, led the union’s engagement with the bill.

“Crofting has always been a vital part of Scotland’s rural and cultural fabric, from maintaining biodiversity to supporting resilient rural communities,” she said.

“Any crofting policy should support those who work the land and should be easy to navigate.”

The bill proposes significant reforms, including streamlined processes for transferring crofts within families – a move described by NFUS as “critical” to ensuring long-term succession planning and generational renewal.

“Transferring crofts, particularly within families, has been a source of frustration and unnecessary delay for far too long,” said Ms Montgomery. “Making that process easier is not only fairer, but essential for securing the future of crofting.”

Cutting red tape 

Scotland’s agriculture minister, Jim Fairlie, said the bill would reduce red tape and improve the powers of the Crofting Commission to enforce duties and support active crofting.

“Existing crofting legislation is complex and difficult to navigate. This bill allows us to make simplifications and improvements that will better recognise the vital contribution crofters make to their communities,” he said.

The legislation also strengthens the role of grazings committees in managing common land – a key element of crofting tradition and sustainability – and introduces measures to give communities a greater say in land use.

NFUS confirmed it will now review the full bill in detail and consult crofting members to ensure the proposed reforms reflect their needs.

Ms Montgomery said the union looked forward to working with MSPs to shape legislation that was “fit for purpose, fair, and future-facing”.