Evidence and insights on Scotland’s land and its impact
The Scottish Land Commission’s work is grounded in evidence. Our research helps explain how land shapes Scotland’s economy, environment and communities and what can be done to make ownership and use fairer and more productive.
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SEFARI Fellowship to understand changes in demand for largescale community land acquisitions and identify barriers and solutions to new acquisitions
This report examines trends in largescale community land acquisition in Scotland, finding that the recent slowdown in acquisitions is driven more by increasing barriers than by reduced community interest.
ScotLand Futures: Qualitative analysis of survey responses
This analysis examined the responses to the ScotLand Futures online survey hosted on the Scottish Land Commission website between May and September 2025. The 1,236 responses revealed that land-related questions remain a complex source of debate in Scotland.
Next steps for land reform summary
Companion document to the Scottish Land Commission’s Next steps for land reform publication providing a high level summary of priorities and actions to support land reform in Scotland.
Next steps for land reform
Next steps for land reform outlines the priorities for land reform and what changes need to happen to help achieve a fair land system in Scotland.
Tax options for reducing emissions from land and supporting land reform
Building on our previous advice, the Scottish Land Commission have explored options for taxing emissions from land and considered the potential for a carbon land tax with a focus on peatland.
Àm ri Teachd Na H-Alba - Na Chuala Sinn: Gairm nàiseanta airson atharrachadh
This is a Gaelic summary capturing the main themes and ideas people shared through ScotLand Futures and reflects, in their own words, how Scotland’s land could work more fairly and more effectively for everyone.
Interim advice on how tax could support land reform and reduce carbon emissions from land
From December 2024 until spring 2026, the Scottish Land Commission and Scottish Government are identifying and assessing options for the role tax could play in supporting land reform and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from land.
Na ceumannan a leanas airson ath-leasachadh Fearainn
Available in Gaelic, this is a companion document to the Scottish Land Commission’s Next steps for land reform publication provides a high level summary of priorities and actions needed to support land reform in Scotland.
What we heard: A national call for change
More than 1,200 people took part in ScotLand Futures — individuals, communities, landowners, farmers, tenants and organisations across rural and urban Scotland. The response was remarkable in its consistency: over 96% said that Scotland needs change.
Rural Land Market Data Report 2025
Analysis of land sales data from 2020-2024.
Vacant and Derelict Land Task Force: Phase one report
This Phase One report, undertaken by Ryden, provides a foundation document for the Task Force and its partner organisations. It recognises Scotland’s substantial expertise and successes in dealing with vacant and derelict sites, while examining the challenges and potential to accelerate their productive re-use.
Scale and Concentration: Response from Ministers
Response from Roseanna Cunningham to the Scottish Land Commission's work of scale and concentration of land ownership in rural Scotland.
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