Crofting facts for kids

Crofting is a unique way of managing land, mostly found in the Scottish Highlands in Scotland. It's a system where people grow food and raise animals on small farms called crofts.

In the 1800s, groups of crofts, called townships, were set up on the best land. A large area of less fertile hill ground was then shared by all the crofters in the township. This shared land was used for grazing their animals like cattle and sheep.

What is Crofting?

Crofting is a traditional way of life in Scotland, focused on small-scale farming. It involves communities working together in these "townships". Each individual croft usually has about 2 to 5 hectares (about 5 to 12 acres) of good land. This land is used for growing crops, vegetables, and for better quality animal feed.

Each township also manages a larger area of poorer quality hill ground. This shared land is called "common grazing". It's where the crofters' cattle and sheep can roam and feed together.

Why is Crofting Important?

Even with its challenges, crofting is very important to the Highlands. It helps keep communities alive and preserves traditional ways of farming. In 2014-2015, there were almost 20,000 crofts in Scotland. About 15,000 people worked as crofters.

What Crofters Must Do

People who rent a croft (tenants) or own one (owner-occupiers) have certain rules they must follow. These rules are set out in the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993.

Living on the Croft

One main rule is that a crofter must usually live within 32 kilometers (about 20 miles) of their croft. If the croft is their main home and their family lives there, it usually counts as meeting this rule. Other situations are looked at case by case.

Taking Care of the Croft

Besides living nearby, crofters must also make sure their croft is used and looked after. They need to cultivate the land, keep it maintained, and not let it become neglected or misused. This helps ensure the land stays productive and healthy.