Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 Explanatory Notes

Section 86:  Completion of purchase

337.This section deals with conveyancing practicalities relevant to the transfer of land following Ministers giving consent to a crofting community right to buy application.

338.Subsection (1) provides that the crofting community body will be responsible for preparing the documents necessary to effect the conveyance of the land and for ensuring that the subjects to be conveyed are the same as those specified in the consent given by Ministers. It places an obligation on the crofting community body to ensure that in preparing the documents that they take account of all conditions imposed by Ministers.

339.Subsection (2) provides that where the crofting community body cannot comply with its duty regarding the property to be conveyed due to the fact that part of the land or interests in land covered by the consent to the crofting community right to buy is not owned by the person named as owner in the application, then it shall refer this matter to Ministers.

340.Subsection (3) provides that where such a reference is made then Ministers may direct that the right to buy may be exercised as if that part of the land or interest had never been included in the application or they may direct that the right to buy is extinguished.

341.Subsection (4) requires the owner of the land or interest subject to the crofting community right to buy to make title deeds available to and transfer title to the crofting community body.

342.Subsection (5) provides that if the owner refuses or fails to make these deeds available, or if they cannot be found, the crofting community body can apply to the Scottish Land Court for an order requiring the production of these documents.

343.Subsection (6) provides that the crofting community body may apply to the Scottish Land Court to authorise its principal clerk to effect the transfer of title where the owner refuses, or for other reasons fails, to do so and where the principal clerk to the Court does so the effect will be the same as if it were done by the owner.

Back to top