Next steps for land reform summary

What people across Scotland told us

Through ScotLand Futures, more than 1,200 people from across Scotland shared their views on land.

While perspectives varied by place and experience, there was a strong and consistent message: people want to see further change, and they want it to result in practical improvements

People’s priorities for land reform

A strong appetite for action – more than nine in ten respondents (96%) said Scotland needs to go further in reforming how land is owned and used.

Concern about concentration of power – around a quarter of respondents highlighted that too much land, and too much influence, sits in too few hands.

A lack of transparency – people find it difficult to know who owns land and see this as undermining trust and accountability.

Connection to place matters – around one in five people said landowners should be meaningfully connected to the places their decisions affect.

Too little local influence – more than one in ten respondents said they feel unable to influence land use decisions in their area, particularly where change is significant and long term.

Frustration with wasted potential – derelict and underused land, and the limited use of tax to encourage productive use, were seen as signs that existing tools are not being used to their full effect.

Taken together, this feedback points to a clear conclusion. People believe the case for change is already well understood. What they are now looking for is leadership, clarity and delivery.