The Commission will take into account local crofting demand and interests, and whether the proposed person intends to live on the croft and work it, and make a contribution to the local crofting community. Owner-occupied crofts can also come onto the market. The price will depend on the size and quality of land on the croft, any buildings and fences and their state of repair, the location and other demand, etc. The Commission has a policy of attempting to encourage prices to remain at a level which is accessible to the many young local residents of the crofting counties who might hope to obtain a croft. The main product is lamb and beef, which are sold on to lowland farmers for fattening and finishing, since this is not cost-effective in the west due to climatic and soil quality constraints.
Some dairy farming is carried out in the better lands in the east of the country.
Some winter keep may be grown across the area, and potatoes. The SCU is the representative body for crofters. We have almost 4000 members in 58 branches across the Highlands and Islands. Anyone with an interest in crofting can join - it is not necessary to have a croft. The SCU lobbies to promote and develop crofting.