Browse all support services
We support businesses, communities and social enterprises through a range of support services, including advice, funding, events and property. Find out how we can help you.
Creating opportunities in rural communities
Crofting is a form of land tenure, unique to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, which forms a vital part of our regional economy.
As well as the strong links from agriculture to other key sectors in the rural economy, most notably tourism, food and drink, crofters often play a central role in managing assets for the benefit of the whole community. Our role is to unlock the potential of rural communities and help create a strong, diverse and sustainable economy where quality of life is matched by quality of opportunity.
We work with partners who support individual crofters and crofting activity. They include the Crofting Commission, Scottish Government (in particular the Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate), Business Gateway and Scottish Natural Heritage.
For crofting communities developing community energy plans, partners include the Scottish Government, Scottish Investment Bank (REIF) and Community Energy Scotland.
The administration of crofting grants for individual crofters will be delivered directly by the Scottish Government through the SRDP including the Croft House Grant.
WOODLAND CROFTS
The Crofting Reform Act 2007 introduced the ability for new crofts to be created and for crofts to be put to a 'purposeful use' other than cultivation. It’s now possible to create crofts from existing woodlands and create business opportunities.
Find out more about creating woodland crofts
CROFTING COMMUNITY RIGHT TO BUY
The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives crofting communities the right to acquire and control the croft land where they live and work, and to acquire the interest of the tenant in tenanted land.
Where to now?
Other areas you may be interested in.
Scottish Land Fund
The Scottish Land Fund provides funding for community organisations across Scotland to own land, buildings and other assets.
Community Empowerment Act
Find out what your rights are under the legislation of the Community empowerment Act.
Community Right to Buy Fund
We have up to £5,000 available to help communities investigate the ownership, register an interest and apply to purchase land and buildings through our Community Right to Buy Fund.