Views sought on land reform proposals

THE introduction of a so-called ‘public interest test’ for transfers of large-scale landholdings is among several proposals out for consultation, ahead of an upcoming piece of Scots legislation aiming to ensure that the country’s land is “used and managed in order to ensure greater benefit to communities and the environment”.

A new Land Reform Bill is expected to be on the statute book in Scotland by the end of next year.

Among other proposals is a requirement on owners of large-scale holdings to give prior notice to community bodies of their intention to sell; plus a requirement on those seeking land-based subsidies to have the land registered in the Land Register, to ensure transparency around who benefits from public funding.

Says the consultation hub – here: “The [legislative] Bill will be ambitious. It will address long-standing concerns about the highly-concentrated pattern of land ownership in rural areas of Scotland.  At the same time, we want to ensure that our land is owned, managed, and used in ways that rise to the challenges of today: net zero, nature restoration, and a just transition.”

The consultation ends on September 25.

Picture credit: Place Design Scotland