Awaited legislation aimed at simplifying crofting policy introduced to Holyrood
NFU Scotland has welcomed the publication of the Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill. This was a long-awaited piece of legislation which NFU Scotland hopes will mark an important step forward for the crofting sector.
Introduced to Holyrood yesterday, 2 June, NFU Scotland engaged extensively with the Crofting Bill Group on the lead up to the Bills publication. It was hoped this close dialogue ensured real concerns and experiences of working crofters are reflected in proposals now brought forward. The Bill is in two parts. The first, proposed changes to crofting law, including to the Crofting Commission, common grazing and the Crofting Register. The second, aims to merge Scottish Land Court and Lands Tribunal for Scotland, in the hope of simplifying the entire process.
Leading on the Union’s engagement on the Bill, Rural Business Policy Manager Rhianna Montgomery, was hopeful this is a positive development for crofting. She said: “Crofting has always been a vital part of Scotland’s rural and cultural fabric, from maintaining biodiversity to supporting resilient rural communities. Any crofting policy should support those who work the land and should be easy to navigate.
“As with any legislation, the detail matters. Over the coming weeks, myself and the wider NFU Scotland team plan to review the Bill and consult crofting members in the process.”
While close inspection of the Bill has only just commenced, initial reflections welcomed provisions to streamline assignations to family members.
Miss Montgomery added: “Transferring crofts, particularly within families, has been a source of frustration and unnecessary delay, for far too long. Making that process easier is not only fairer, but was also critical to secure the future of crofting through succession planning.
“Today’s publication represents a positive development for crofting law. We look forward to working closely with MSPs and stakeholders in the coming months, ensuring this Bill works for our members.”
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Contact Brooke Harwood on 07823 556253