DIANA HENRY wrote: > Dear List, does anyone know the EXACT definition of the word "Croft". Is there a certain acreage perhaps.? or does it mean something else? Some of the tenants in 19 Century Mark (Stoneykirk Parish) are "Crofters" while others are not. The word is used outwith Scotland too. I'll not be exact, except to say that in SCT Highlands it is a rented/ leased farming property with a level of special protection for the rights of the tenant. The local authority may restrict attempts to convert the land title to another nature. Example, a proprietor wishing to convert to industrial, commercial or residential occupancy instead of agriculture may have to first apply for a De- crofting to be approved. I was long ago the <only> Australian member of the Crofters' Union, at the time the President was Dr James Hunter. There is good data at: http://www.gms.org.uk/news/05/amnarbeatha.php Cheers, ALISTAIR M. CAMERON A.A.G.R.A. Professional Genealogist http://quozl.netrek.org/cameron-research/ PO Box 215 BUNDANOON NSW 2578 AUSTRALIA Visit Bundanoon Village Website... http://www.bundanoon.com.au/