Crofting Commission facts for kids
| Coimisean na Croitearachd (Scottish Gaelic) | |
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| Agency overview | |
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| Formed | 2012 |
| Type | executive non-departmental public body |
| Jurisdiction | Crofting Counties |
| Headquarters | Crofting Commission, Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness, IV3 8NW |
| Agency executives |
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| Parent agency | Scottish Government |
| Map | |
Scotland in the UK and Europe
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The Crofting Commission (which is Coimisean na Croitearachd in Scottish Gaelic) is the official group that sets the rules for crofting in Scotland. It started on 1 April 2012, taking over from the old Crofters Commission. Based in Inverness, it is a public body that works for the Scottish Government.
The Commission has nine members: six are chosen by people in the crofting areas, and three are picked by the Scottish Government. One of these members is chosen to be the Convener, who leads the group. About 60 staff members help the Commission, led by a Chief Executive.
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What is the Crofting Commission?
The main goal of the Crofting Commission is to be a helpful rule-maker. It uses its powers to support the special way of life known as crofting. Its job is to make sure the rules for crofting are fair and sensible. This helps protect crofting for everyone, including future generations.
The Commission wants crofters to understand their legal duties. Crofts are very important pieces of land. They should be used well now and in the future by both current crofters and new people who want to start crofting.
What are Crofters' Duties?
All crofters, whether they rent their croft (tenant crofters) or own it (owner-occupier crofters), must follow certain rules. These rules are about living on the croft and looking after it.
Every crofter has three main legal duties:
- They must live on their croft, or within 32 kilometres (about 20 miles) of it.
- They must farm and look after their croft, or use it for another useful purpose.
- They must not use their croft badly or let it get run down.
When crofters follow these rules, it's called "self-regulation." This means crofters stay in charge of their croft. They can make choices that help their croft, their local community, and the whole crofting system.
What Happens if Rules are Broken?
If a crofter doesn't follow their duties, the Commission can look into it. They can take action if needed. If someone thinks a crofter isn't following the rules, they can tell the Commission. This includes people from the crofting community or local groups that help manage crofts.
How Did the Commission Start?
The very first Crofters Commission was set up a long time ago in 1886. This happened because of a law called the Crofters' Holdings (Scotland) Act. The more modern Crofters Commission was created by the Crofters (Scotland) Act in 1955.
The name of the Commission changed to the Crofting Commission in 2012. This change happened after a new law, the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, came into effect.
