6. Conclusion
Through ScotLand Futures we have heard a strong public appetite for further changes in the way land is owned and used and for a clear pathway of reform ahead. 25 years on from the start of Scotland’s modern land reform journey, it is the Commission’s view that there remain major steps to be taken, and that doing so in a co-ordinated programme of reforms would build public confidence in our land system and unlock significant opportunities.
- Opening up new land opportunities
- Rebalancing the power of land ownership
- Shaping land use change locally
Delivering a programme of reform should make full use of the wide range of levers available to government, particularly an active role for public land ownership as well as tax and fiscal policy. We also emphasise the importance of acting to transform Scotland’s land data system. This is a foundation step underpinning reforms.
We recognise the steps identified here require much work to develop practical and effective law and policy changes and that they will be stronger if shaped by a wide range of experience. The Commission’s body of research and analysis, including international experience, shows there are practical ways to act on these issues. Many other countries have done so.
Leadership in taking forward a co-ordinated programme of reforms could, over the coming decade, help Scotland reach a point where people feel confident that our land system is fair, fit for our time and works in the public interest.
