Public Initiative Opens Conversation on Next Phase of Land Reform

A new national initiative is inviting people across Scotland to share their views on how land can better support the things that matter most, like housing, nature, jobs, and strong local communities.

Led by the Scottish Land Commission, ScotLand Futures invites individuals, community groups, land managers, businesses and organisations to help shape a shared vision for how Scotland’s land is owned, used and managed in the years ahead.

Over the past 25 years, Scotland has already made progress. There’s more transparency about who owns land. Communities have had more opportunities to buy local land and shape its future. And the Scottish Parliament is currently considering a new Land Reform Bill that will improve how large-scale landholdings are managed and transferred. But big questions remain about how land can help address some of the biggest challenges facing Scotland today - from affordable housing and climate action to local economic development and community empowerment.

This initiative asks a simple question: what would it look like to complete Scotland’s current land reform journey?  

Speaking at the launch, Michael Russell, Chair of the Scottish Land Commission, said:

“Land reform is not just for land reformers. Too often the conversation can feel remote - discussed in policy circles or historic terms. Land affects all of us, every day, from the homes we live in, to the green spaces we enjoy, and the kind of communities we want to build.

Scotland has made real progress in land reform, but the journey is not complete yet. We’re inviting people to look ahead and envision the next big steps for land reform. We hope to build consensus on a fairer land system. Even where there is not full agreement, there is real value in developing shared clarity about the intended endpoint.”

ScotLand Futures is open to everyone, and the Commission is encouraging individuals, community groups, businesses and organisations to get involved. You don’t need to be an expert, just someone with a view on the future of Scotland’s land. People can take part by:

• Completing a short online form to share their views on land reform
• Attending online or in-person events
• Engaging with the campaign on social media using #ScotLandFutures

Insights gathered through the initiative will be used to inform the public debate and support policy development. A summary of contributions will be published by the Commission later this year.