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Progress, Challenges, and the Journey Ahead for Scotland's Land Reform

Hamish Trench, reflects on 50 years of land economy teaching at the University of Aberdeen and Scotland’s evolving land reform. From community ownership to natural capital, progress continues, but challenges remain.

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No better time than now to put family tenancy in order

Planning ahead for the succession and assignation of agricultural tenancies is crucial to avoid legal, financial, and emotional challenges.

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Building community wealth, from the ground up.

Naomi Mason from the Centre for Local Economic Strategies takes a deeper look at the role of land in Community Wealth Building.

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What role for Land Value Tax?

Hamish Trench sets out the steps that would be needed to introduce a land value tax, and the challenges that would be faced in introducing workable and long lasting land tax reform.

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Part 2 of the Land Reform Bill – Progress to Date

Update from the Tenant Farming Commissioner on Part 2 of the Land Reform Bill.

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Responsible private investment in natural capital: A Scottish land reform perspective

For Scotland, natural capital is not just a resource but a core component of national identity and sustainability.

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When is a 91 Act tenancy not a 91 Act tenancy?

Understanding the complexities and pitfalls of creating a new lease under the 1991 Act.

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Delivering community benefits from nature restoration work

Alys Daniels-Creasey's blog explores the opportunities and challenges of delivering socio-cultural and economic community benefits through nature restoration efforts in Scotland.

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Findings from Community Land Scotland's Community Ownership Hub

In this blog, Linsay Chalmers of Community Land Scotland analyses the key learning from a project supporting urban communities interested in land re-use

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Clarity on tenant status crucial in agricultural leases

Recent TFC cases have illustrated the importance of being clear about who the tenant is in an agricultural tenancy situation.

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The Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme – a centuries-old regime creates new opportunities

The Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme (OPTS), is an example of how collaborative efforts can help meet modern land use and ownership needs.

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Celebrating the Launch of Scotland’s Vacant and Derelict Land Hub

David reflects on the launch of the Scottish Government’s VDL Hub and what this might mean for progress with land re-use.

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Navigating the complex relationship between horse owners and tenant farming

Through the Tenant Farming Helpline, we have had many enquiries from horse owners who have been renting land to keep their horses.

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The use of comparables in rent reviews

The periodic rent review can be a source of tension and dispute between landlords and tenants of agricultural holdings.

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Exploring small-scale land opportunities in Scotland

The Scottish Land Commission sees significant potential for exploring how opportunities to access land for small scale ownership, management and use could be created.

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Scottish land prices and natural capital investment

Our 2024 Rural Land Markets Insights report suggests pressure from natural capital investment may have abated recently.

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Are you clear about what is in your lease?

Knowing what is exactly in the lease is important for both relinquishment and assignation provision and registering a preemptive right to buy.

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How natural resource management can deliver public and community value

Understanding natural resource management's opportunities and risks is crucial for public benefit.

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Practical guidance to support rural businesses with diversification policies

Our voluntary guidance is designed to give practical advice for landowners and land managers who wish to encourage and support enterprise and community development.

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Insights from the Tenant Farming Manager

Tenant Farming Manager, Peter MacDougall, shares his TFC insights since joining the Commission last year.

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Housing and Land Re-use – a Common Problem with a Common Solution?

Is there a common solution to the challenge of housing supply in Scotland?

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The Land Reform Bill – Implications for Landlords and Tenants of Agricultural Holdings

How will the measures in the Land Reform Bill impact on landlord/tenant transactions?

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Understanding the benefit of Scotland's Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land (RCI)

Accurate and up-to-date information about land provides the foundation for open and transparent decision-making.

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Mediation or Litigation?

Mediation can be a highly effective way of reaching agreement and avoiding costly litigation.

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Leadership in Good Practice

Good Practice Adviser, Karen Grant, reports on a day of constructive discussion at the recent Leadership in Good Practice event.

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Completing a Land Reform Apprenticeship

Project Assistant Modern Apprentice, Bruce Morrison, reflects on his time at the Scottish Land Commission.

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An opportunity to retire with a pension pot

In February 2021 the Scottish Government introduced the Relinquishment and Assignation Provisions.

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Good Practice Casework Report published

We have reviewed our casework for the three years from April 2020 to March 2023 to draw out lessons.

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Oh deer. They’re in the neeps again.

The need to reduce deer numbers in Scotland is an ongoing topic of discussion and, sometimes, controversy.