Common Grazing Regulations – English

New Grazing Regulations

The Crofting Commission has launched a new Grazing Regulations template. The template is not as detailed as those issued previously, as many requirements stipulated within the previous regulations were not provided for within the Crofting Act.

There is some confusion around this process of adopting new regulations in many committees and this information note tackles some common questions and explains the process of adopting a new set of regulations, or making amendments to your current regulations.

Do we need to adopt the new regulations?

There is no compulsion to adopt new regulations if your current regulations are working well for your Common Grazing requirements. However, it’s good practice to review your regulations regularly, as old regulations may not fit with the current legislation or how your common grazing operates today.

When should we adopt the new regulations?

If you decide to adopt new regulations, you should pick a time that suits the working of your committee. At the start of a new term in office would be a logical time to embark on this exercise, unless there were pressing reasons to update your regulations immediately.

Process

1. Call a committee meeting to review new regulations and discuss possible amendments
2. Get the majority consent of the committee on the new regulations and any local amendments. It is advised to consult widely with shareholders at this stage.
3. Any proposed revised regulations should be sent to the Crofting Commission for review.
4. Prior to confirming, making or amending regulations, the Crofting Commission must consult with the owner of the relevant Grazings.
5. The Commission will check your proposed new regulations or any proposed amendments to ensure compliance with the Crofting Act and, if required, contact the Committee to discuss any matters of concern or items that require clarification.
6. When the Commission approves any new Regulations, they will be formally adopted and the Committee issued with the newly agreed regulations. A copy will also be sent to the Owner of the Common Grazings.

Regulations should be viewed as being a living document that can be reviewed at any time to ensure compliance with any changes to legislation or local conditions. The purpose of the regulations is to enable the Grazings Committees and shareholders to strengthen shared management practices and develop the management of Common Grazing land in an appropriate and sustainable manner.