19/01/2026
As you may know, January 2026 will see the Annual Notice being issued by the Crofting Commission.
The Commission are being clear they are going to be taking a more proactive approach in terms of dealing with non-returners so we would urge crofters and fellow members to complete it when it arrives. It only takes a couple of minutes and is a legal requirement.
If you are not currently complying with your crofting duties to be ordinarily resident and to cultivate and maintain your croft for a variety of reasons, there are solutions, and completing the annual notice could initiate a conversation with the Commission about the best options for your situation.
Alternatively, if any members want to discuss their situation informally with SCF in the first instance, please do reach out to us by email at [email protected] and we will do our best to help.
UPDATE: Over the next six weeks, a series of public meetings will be held across the Highlands and Islands to highlight the Annual Notice Campaign and the new focus on duties enforcement.
All meetings are hosted by Andrew Thin of the Crofting Commission, run from 7–9pm, and are open to everyone crofters and non-crofters alike. If you have an interest in crofting regulation, responsibilities, or how enforcement is changing, you’re very welcome to come along.
• Fort William – Nevis Centre – 20 January
• Oban – Corran Halls – 21 January
• Mallaig – Community Centre – 22 January
• Lochinver – Village Hall – 27 January
• Durness – Village Hall – 28 January
• Tongue – Community Hall – 29 January
• Stornoway – Cala Hotel – 3 February
• Tarbert – Community Hall – 4 February
• Lochmaddy – Community Hall – 5 February
• Portree – Community Hall – 10 February
• Lochcarron – Community Hall – 11 February
• Lairg – Community Hall – 12 February
• Kincraig – Community Hall – 26 February
Learn more at www.crofting.scotland.gov.uk/annual-notice-info
