The grant for improving a croft house is to increase from 40% to 60% of the total project cost – with a maximum grant of £38,000.

In 2022 more than £850,000 was awarded through the Scottish Government’s Croft House Grant funding to support 28 crofters and their families.

Chief executive of the Scottish Crofting Federation Patrick Krause said:

“Housing and fuel poverty are major issues we face in rural Scotland, and, despite the soaring costs, we need more homes, homes that that are ecologically sound. So this is very welcome news.

“It is heartening to see Scottish Government adding to a very effective scheme that has helped hundreds of families to get established, and particularly in helping with improvements to existing buildings, upgrading to be more environmentally efficient, extending and bringing older buildings back into use. It is a win for all.”

Crofting tenure requires crofters to live within 32 kilometres of their croft and provide their own housing, so the Croft House Grant can assist crofters to meet their statutory duty.  There are four application rounds every year, March, June, September and December, and eligible applications are assessed using a scoring system, which is designed to target support at those who would not be able to build or improve their home without grant support.

Click on this link to find out more and to apply: Croft House Grant

SNP MSP Emma Roddick who represents the Highlands and Islands is delighted with the increase in grant support. She said:

“Crofting plays such an important role both culturally and economically across Scotland’s rural and island communities, but it does not come without its challenges and the cost-of-living crisis has taken a heavy toll on so many.

“I’m so glad that the Scottish Government is recognising these challenges and where additional support is needed to ensure that crofting as a way of life can not only survive but thrive in the future.

“This is just another example of how the SNP is standing up for rural communities across Scotland, with crofters and farmers already benefiting from receiving advance payment of the Basic Payment Scheme – brought forward by the Scottish Government – to support Scotland’s farmers with cash flow and the cost-of-living crisis.

“I strongly urge those eligible across the islands to read up on how the grant scheme can help them and apply.”

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands in the Scottish Government is Mairi Gougeon. She also highlighted the importance of crofting in Scotland’s rural and island communities. She said:

“Crofters are so important to our rural and island communities. They play an integral role contributing to the long-term sustainability of these often fragile areas.

“The Croft House Grant enables crofters to enjoy the full potential of their crofts while generating economic success – and I have seen first-hand the difference it can make.

“We must do all we can to attract and retain people in our crofting communities, particularly young families. That’s why we are committed to continuing and improving this vital support.”