The Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill will simplify
legislation to make crofting regulation less onerous.
The Bill, published today, will strengthen the role of grazing
committees sharing common land and give farmers, and their
communities, a greater say in how the land they work on is used.
The Bill will also amalgamate the Scottish Land Court and the
Lands Tribunal for Scotland to create one cohesive body, the
Scottish Land Court, retaining the statutory requirement for a
Gaelic speaking member.
Agriculture Minister said:
“Crofting is at the heart of communities across many parts of the
Highlands and Islands and Argyll. Crofters across these areas are
cultivating land, tending livestock, protecting the environment
and biodiversity. In the last ten years, more than £31 million in
Crofting Agricultural Grant Scheme funding has been committed
and, since 2007, the Scottish Government has approved £26 million
of Croft House Grant payments.
“Existing crofting legislation is complex and difficult to
navigate. This Bill allows us to make a range of simplifications
and improvements to the way crofting is administered, which will
benefit crofters and the Crofting Commission to better recognise
the vital contribution they make to their communities and
maintain unique local heritage and culture.
“The merger of the Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for
Scotland into the expanded Scottish Land Court will provide a
more efficient administration of the services offered at present
and result in greater simplicity, coherence and flexibility.”
Background
Crofting and Scottish Land
Court Bill | Scottish Parliament Website
The crofting proposals were developed through extensive
engagement and close cooperation with stakeholders, with the
consultation proposals receiving support from the majority of
respondents.
Crofting Consultation
2024: Proposals for Crofting Law Reform – Analysis of Responses -
gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
The decision to unify the Scottish Land Court and Lands Tribunal
for Scotland was taken following a public consultation. Scottish
Ministers committed to bringing forward legislation to enact the
merger during the life of this Parliament.
Scottish Land Court and
Lands Tribunal for Scotland to be unified - gov.scot
