Research and reports

Legislative proposals to address the impact of Scotland’s concentration of land ownership

Scotland’s unusually concentrated pattern of land ownership is a matter of longstanding concern. Many people are deeply uncomfortable with the fact that so much of Scotland is owned or controlled by so few, in a pattern that is not necessarily shaped for today’s needs.

Understanding the Benefits of Diversification in Ownership, Tenure, and Control

A more diverse pattern of land ownership, tenure and/or control would allow more people in Scotland to enjoy the associated rights, opportunities, and responsibilities. There is evidence to suggest that greater diversification of land ownership, tenure and control can stimulate wideranging economic, social and environmental benefits which will promote more inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Scotland over the years to come.

The Value of Early Engagement in Planning

The purpose of this research is to demonstrate the value, in a development context, of early conversations with the Scottish communities about significant land use changes.

Report summary: The Value of Early Engagement in Planning

Summary of the Value of Early Engagement in Planning report.

The Role of Land in Enabling New Housing Supply in Rural Scotland

The findings of this study show that greater facilitation and support, better approaches to rural planning and community engagement, improved private and public sector engagement together with support for new models and approaches would help support the delivery of more homes and better places across rural Scotland.

Toolkit: The Role of Land in Enabling New Housing Supply in Rural Scotland

Toolkit accompanying The Role of Land in Enabling New Housing Supply in Rural Scotland report.

Review of International Experience of Community, Communal and Municipal Ownership of Land

This research was commissioned to provide an overview of relevant forms of community, communal and municipal landownership in other countries, and suggest how lessons from international experiences could be applicable in Scotland.

Transforming Vacant and Derelict Land in Scotland: Case Studies

Inspiring examples of how vacant and derelict land can be transformed and the benefits it can bring.

Interim Report: Regional Land Use Partnerships

The Scottish Government has asked the Scottish Land Commission to provide advice on the establishment of Regional Land Use Partnerships.

Transforming Scotland’s Approach to Vacant and Derelict Land

Vacant and Derelict Land Taskforce recommendations.

Overview of the Vacant and Derelict Land Taskforce Recommendations

An overview of the Vacant and Derelict Land Taskforce recommendations.

Municipal Forests vs Community Woodlands

This report was written as a result of a project undertaken thanks to the funding of the Scottish Land Commission Student Award during the year 2020. It aims to explore the participation and use by the public of urban forests comparing two systems, communal forest ownership in France and community woodland in Scotland, drawing on interviews with key people involved in forest management and/or ownership in France and Scotland.