Author Topic: Buying a croft (Read 7151 times)

shygirl · « **on:** February 22, 2014, 08:29:15 am »

when an advert for a croft purchase says the CC need to approve you - what does it actually mean?
is it that you will farm the land? or do need to have a business plan? or do you need to be committed to maintaining the shared grazing? do you need to be scottish?
what responsibilities do you have for the shared land? - do you have to control the weeds or maintain any fencing etc?

and if you actually buy the land rather than tenancy - does it pass down to your children through inheritance?

fiestyredhead331 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 23, 2014, 10:46:20 am »

Not strictly true, you dont need consent from CC but you need to notify them of change of ownership etc and you dont need to be Scottish....lol consent is required if you are re-assigning your croft if you are a tenant not the owner
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=crofting%20commission%20approval&source=web&cd=9&ved=0CEEQFjAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crofterscommission.co.uk%2Fuserfiles%2Fdocuments%2FBecoming%2520a%2520Crofter.doc&ei=Vs8JU4zyKeWg7AbY54HQDg&usg=AFQjCNFP_B7jUTCHlFnufMcx-r9yXVfuVA&sig2=3AsPh_4bJQveljypJDGd5w&bvm=bv.61725948,d.ZGU

Hamish Crofter · « **Reply #2 on:** February 24, 2014, 06:34:47 pm »

Hi shygirl,
Pretty much as feisty has said. When I purchased my croft the CC did not have to approve me but you must register the new ownership with them. Apparently it's a criminal? Offence not to!
The expectation and indeed obligation is to tend the croft and use it. Sadly many don't and whilst the CC have a renewed commitment to deal with owners of neglected crofts I think that's a long and slow process to go through.
Owned crofts are certainly heritable, my kids would be most upset if they were not. I'm not so sure about tenented though.
Lots of people run a mile from taking on a croft because of the obligation but I am of the opinion that if you want to live in Scotland and follow the smallholding lifestyle they are a great option. Prices are still quite reasonable and you have a real feeling of history and belonging being a crofter.

fiestyredhead331 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 24, 2014, 09:30:23 pm »

Incidentally I have just finished a book called the spade among the rushes by Margaret Leigh which you might like to read? Granted its post WW2 crofting but not that much has changed TBH we have a 1930's tractor and drag plough