Understanding what’s happening with Scotland’s land

23 July, 2026

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

After spending two days at the Royal Highland Show speaking to landlords, tenants and land agents from across Scotland, I came away convinced of one thing. The tenant farming sector will not be revived through more legislation.

21 July, 2026

Targeted tax support could help turn derelict land into homes and jobs

Hundreds of urban sites across Scotland have sat derelict for at least 25 years — but new research suggests that smarter use of tax policy could help bring them back to life, unlocking new homes, jobs and community regeneration in the places that need it most.

14 July, 2026

New advice sets out how Scotland can unlock the full potential of community ownership

The Scottish Land Commission has today published new advice setting out practical steps to expand community ownership across Scotland and help more communities benefit from owning local land and assets.

9 July, 2026

Demand for large-scale community land ownership remains strong, but progress is slowing

In this blog, lead researcher Dr Bobby Macaulay comments on the findings of the SEFARI study (co-authored with Alys Daniels-Creasey and Catriona Mallows), and highlights the opportunities and challenges facing community ownership today.

7 July, 2026

Better land data could transform how Scotland plans for the future

Scotland could unlock major benefits for communities, public services and the economy by modernising how it collects and uses land information, according to new research published by the Scottish Land Commission.

16 June, 2026

Cabinet Secretary visits Tarras Valley to see land reform in action

Representatives from Tarras Valley Nature Reserve shared the inspiring story of their community buyout with Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs Gillian Martin MSP during a visit to Langholm.

9 June, 2026

Caution replaces speculation in Scotland’s rural land market

A more cautious and selective approach to buying land is emerging across Scotland’s rural land market, according to a new report published by the Scottish Land Commission.

26 May, 2026

A proactive approach to bringing ownerless land back into use in Scotland

Until three years ago, the KLTR only dealt with ownerless property brought to our attention via referrals. Recommendations from the Scottish Land Commission encouraged the KLTR to change approach leading to the creation of the KLTR’s Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme (OPTS).