Murchison Law

24/08/2026

Great opportunity for those keen to shape the future of the regulation and promotion of crofting.

📣 We want to hear from crofters.

The next Crofting Commission election will elect six members of our Board, with the votes counted on Friday 19 March 2027.

Before we plan the information you will see over the coming months, we want to understand what crofters already know about the election, what might encourage people to take part and what we could explain more clearly.

Please take a few minutes to complete our survey:

🔗 https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/fYsXBPfscp

The survey is open until Hogmanay – 31 December 2026.

Please share this post and the survey with other crofters and people involved in crofting communities too.

12/08/2026

This could be very useful for you or someone you know?

10/08/2026

** New to the market **

Croft tenancy 122 Polglass, Achiltibuie

We are delighted to be bringing a 5.2 acre croft tenancy to the market. Located in a popular coastal location with stunning views south this represents a great opportunity for someone looking to get into crofting. There is a former croft house and pre planning advice form the local authority has been given that a new house would be supported on the croft. A share in the local common grazing comes too.

Price - offers in the region of £75,000

For more details see our website murchisonlaw.co.uk

28/07/2026

Worth knowing if this affects you.

Muirburn licensing applications are now open, with NatureScot launching its new online application process earlier this month.

From 15 September 2026, it will be an offence to carry out muirburn in Scotland without a licence. Anyone planning to undertake muirburn after this date must apply in advance.

The new arrangements follow the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 and are intended to help ensure that muirburn is carried out safely and appropriately.

Applications can be made by an individual or organisation, including a business, trust or partnership. You can also apply on someone else’s behalf with their permission.

If you apply, please let us know how you find the process. We would be interested to hear any feedback.

Applications are available through the NatureScot website at www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and-species/licensing/muirburn-licensing

14/03/2026

A great event for those new to crofting.

10/02/2026

Happening this evening, Tuesday 10th February

📢 Dingwall! Get Ready for a Crofting Catch-up! 🚜🐑
Hey everyone in Dingwall and surrounding areas! 👋

Guess what? Our fantastic Commissioners, Fiona Mcleman and Rod Mackenzie, are coming to town! They'll be hosting a public meeting at the Dingwall Mart on Tuesday, 10th February at 7:00pm.

This is your chance to chat directly with them about all things crofting. Got questions? Ideas? Just fancy a natter about what's happening in our crofting communities? This is the place to be! 🗣️💡

No need to book, just pop along for what promises to be an engaging and friendly evening. Everyone is welcome – whether you're a seasoned crofter or just keen to learn more!

📍 Dingwall Mart 📅 Tues 10th Feb ⏰ 7:00 PM

Come along and have your say! We can't wait to see you there! 😊

04/02/2026

Crofting Bill

The stage 2 debate of the current crofting bill in the Scottish Parliament is happening this morning. It can be watched live or later using the address below which you might need to copy and paste to your web browser.

https://www.scottishparliament.tv/meeting/rural-affairs-and-islands-committee-february-4-2026

It will be interesting to see what is decided today. Particularly interested to note Rhoda Grant’s amendment to remove the right to buy a Croft. This will at least cause some discussion!

To share or download a clip: Set the start of the clip by seeking the video, then click Set start point. Repeat for the End point.

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

17/01/2026

For those in Lochaber and surrounding this might be of interest.

Public Meeting: Crofting Duties & Q&A 🚜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Are you a crofter in the Fort William area? Do you have questions about your responsibilities or the future of your croft?

We are delighted to announce a public meeting featuring the Chair of the Crofting Commission, Andrew Thin. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from the Commission and get clarity on important issues.

📅 When: Tuesday 20th January

🕖 Time: 7:00pm

📍 Where: Nevis Centre, Fort William

The evening will begin with a short presentation on crofting duties, followed by an open Q&A session specifically for crofters. 🎤

All are welcome to attend! Whether you are a lifelong crofter or just starting out, we would love to see you there. 🤝

14/01/2026

The Scottish Crofting Federation hold great events. Here is news of on e happening in Caithness soon.

Join us in Keiss from 6th - 7th February for two days of practical, forward-looking training designed to help crofters adapt, plan, and thrive.

Whether you’re new to crofting or have years of experience, this interactive course will help you prepare for changes in agricultural policy, explore sustainable practices, and learn from others doing inspiring work on the land.

The programme includes planning sessions, funding advice from the Rural Payments & Inspections Division, and expert talks on topics such as habitat management and woodland creation.

You’ll also visit Sally Crowe’s The Croft 65-acre croft, where regenerative practices, rare livestock, and a thriving local egg and meat business show how crofting with nature can be both sustainable and rewarding.

By the end of the weekend, you’ll have new ideas, fresh connections, and a clear sense of where your croft could be in five years’ time, and how to get there.

Tickets: £50 for SCF members / £80 non-members

More info and to book now via: www.tickettailor.com/events/scottishcroftingfederation/1764764