Decrofting - New Legislation To Make It Easier

29th March 2013

Action is being taken to deal with the difficulties owner-occupier crofters are facing when decrofting their croft land.

The Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse announced that the Scottish Government will bring forward a Bill as soon as possible after the Easter recess to address this issue which will require amending crofting legislation.

Decrofting land can enable a house to be built on the land and facilitate crofting land being passed from one generation to the next. It was the intention of the Government and Parliament that tenant and owner-occupier crofters be treated equally under the Act.

Mr Wheelhouse said:“It has come to light recently that there is an issue with the Crofting Act and the Government, along with the Crofting Commission, has taken a number of steps to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.

“By bringing forward a Bill as soon as possible after Easter I hope this provides some comfort to crofters that a solution is on its way. I look forward to receiving Parliament’s support in the coming months to resolve this issue.”

PHOTO
Old croft at Latheron