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.
Next Steps for Community Ownership in Scotland draws on the significant progress already made — more than 500 community organisations now own over 850 assets across the country, generating jobs, delivering homes and supporting vital local services — and identifies what needs to happen next to build on that foundation.
The report recommends increasing the Scottish Land Fund and moving to multi-year funding cycles, giving communities greater certainty to plan ahead. It also calls for improved post-acquisition support, stronger collaboration across public bodies and easier access to legal, planning and technical expertise for communities navigating the ownership process.
Community Wealth Building plans should also be used to coordinate local and national support for community assets, the report says, ensuring land and buildings deliver lasting public benefit for generations to come.
Kathie Pollard, Head of Policy at the Scottish Land Commission, said:
“Community ownership is already making a real difference across Scotland, creating jobs, supporting housing, restoring nature and helping communities deliver the services and facilities that matter locally.
“This advice sets out how Scottish Government can build on that success. When communities have access to the right funding, capacity and expertise, they can deliver long-term benefits for local people and places.
“The public sector has a key role to play in supporting, simplifying processes and working with communities. Ultimately, we want to see communities empowered to fulfil their ambitions for their place and scale-up community ownership across Scotland.”
The report recommends increasing the Scottish Land Fund and moving to multi-year funding, improving post-acquisition support, strengthening collaboration across public bodies and making it easier for communities to access legal, planning and technical advice.
It also says Community Wealth Building plans should be used to coordinate local and national support for community assets, helping ensure land and buildings deliver long-term public benefit.
Read the report
- Read the full report: Next steps for community ownership in Scotland
