Scotland takes important step towards fairer use and ownership of land
Scottish Land Commission statement on the passing of the Land Reform Bill
Commenting on the passing of the Land Reform Bill in the Scottish Parliament, Michael Russell, Chair of the Scottish Land Commission, said: “Today’s Land Reform Bill is a further significant step towards modernising the way land is owned and used in Scotland.
“Public appetite for change has never been greater. Through our recent ScotLand Futures work, it is clear that people across Scotland want to see opportunities to own and use land opened up to deliver much wider benefit, for individuals, communities, and our economy as a whole.
“The Bill introduces new obligations on large landholdings and will ensure large areas of land cannot be sold without prior notification. It also allows Ministers to intervene to require land to be lotted when sold. The bill will establish a new Land and Communities Commissioner within the Scottish Land Commission and we look forward to this appointment process being taken forward by government.
“These are significant steps, but this is not the end of the journey.
“The Scottish Land Commission will now work with the Scottish Government to support implementation of the Bill swiftly and effectively — helping to provide the clarity and impact needed.
“Our role is to turn ambition into action: providing impartial, evidence-based advice to ensure that this legislation delivers real change on the ground. We will also continue to advise on the further steps needed to modernise Scotland’s system of land ownership and use.
