1. The Crofting Commission in 2012

2. What is new? ► Crofting Reform Act (Scotland) 2010 ► A new name – the Crofting Commission ► A new logo ► Commissioners ► Convener ► Vice Convener ► Panel of Assessors ► Grazing regulations ► Crofting Register ► Crofting Commission Plan

3. Why do we have all these new things? Because of IG …and IG’s Great Granny

6. Blackadder 1811

7. The Battle of the Braes 1882

8. Over 100 people took part in the Battle of the Braes

9. Q: Why continue with ► A 200 year old system? ► 126-year old Legislation? Nostalgia? A love of the past?

10. A: Because crofting works! ► Crofting has sustained communities for 200 years… for 200 years… ► …can it sustain us for another 200 years? 200 years?

11. Crofting Commission Plan ► Part 1 ► Explains why regulation of crofting is important crofting is important ► In the present ► And for the future

12. Crofting Commission Plan ► Part 2 ► Explains our policies

13. What policies does the Plan cover? ► The residency duty and consent to be absent ► The Register of Crofts and the Crofting Register Register ► Controlling speculation and loss of crofts ► Decrofting ► Assignations, letting and subletting ► Division and creation of new crofts ► Misuse, neglect, duty to cultivate & maintain ► Common grazings and apportionments

14. Decrofting ► The Commission will only approve applications where it is satisfied that the size of the area is acceptable and that adequate access to the croft remains. Account will also be taken of the size of the croft, the quality of the proposed area of land and its location within the croft. Consideration will also be given to the reason for the proposal; such as whether it may be to provide housing for community or family purposes. Where the stated intent is to provide capital for investment in the croft or some diversification on the croft, supporting evidence will be required such as planning permission, a business plan and details of any other funding sources.

15. What next? ► The plan has been redrafted ► Agreed by all Commissioners ► Sent to Minister ► If/when approved, presented to Parliament Parliament

16. Who is the Plan for? ► Commissioners and staff ► The Minister and Parliament ► The Scottish Land Court ► Councils, HIE and agencies ► Assessors ► Grazing Committees ► Individual crofters

17. The role of Assessors ► Familiarise yourself with the policies ► We will be developing more detailed policies in 2013 policies in 2013 ► Tell grazing committees and other crofters about the Plan crofters about the Plan

18. Crofting can sustain us…

19. …into the future